[pnh102]

The Scriptures make a distinction about those sins against the Holy Ghost, which will neither be forgiven in this world or the next. (Matthew 12:32)

Thank you for the reminder.

But is Gov. Cuomo's cohabitation with his girlfriend this level of sin?

[Dr. Sivana]

But is Gov. Cuomo's cohabitation with his girlfriend this level of sin?

Not particularly, as your typical sin against the Holy Ghost would be things like despair, blasphemy, presumption, etc.

In Cuomo's case, the main problem is the public and ongoing nature of the sin. In the old days, guys like this would apply (and typically get) an annulment. For once, someone challenged a Kennedy on an annulment (Sheila Rausch Kennedy), wrote a book, waited for the whole issue to wend its way to the Rota, and got it overturned.

Cuomo, as a divorced man, doesn't want to give up his Catholic status, and apparently doesn't want to risk an annulment not being approved. Hence, he is not free to marry in the Church.

With other sins, (e.g. lying in a serious matter), the priest would presume that you went to Confession, and were therefore cleared to receive Commununion. But if Cuomo is there with his shackup, and it is known by all that they are sharing quarters not as brother and sister, it is a cause of grave scandal, as he could not have gone to confession as there was not even a hint of penance of any kind.

Adultery is considered grave matter by the Catholic Church, though it is not a sin against the Holy Ghost. (In Catholic theology, besides the sin against the Holy Ghost is also Mortal vs. Venial Sin. In Sciptures this is also called Deadly Sin.

"If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and He will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin about which I do not say that you should pray. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly."(John 5:16-17)