What is a singular precept?

• A. A command given by a Church authority to a specific person or group, requiring them to do or not do something
• B. A general guideline for all Catholics
• C. A requirement for bishops only
• D. A doctrinal statement

Answer: (A)

In canon law, precepts are directives issued by competent church authority that command or prohibit something. A singular precept is a command directed to a specific person or a small, defined group, creating an obligation only for them. It isn’t meant for all the faithful, and it isn’t a general guideline or a doctrinal statement. This is why the correct description is a command given by a Church authority to a specific person or group, requiring them to do or not do something.