Editing Inquisition (section)

=== Denunciations ===
The usual procedure began with the visitation by the inquisitors in a chosen location. The so-called heretics were then asked to be present and denounce themselves and others;  it was not enough to denounce himself as a heretic.{{sfnp|Saraiva|2001|pp=46–47}}{{sfnp|Kirsch|2008|p=8}}

Many confessed alleged heresies for fear that a friend or neighbor might do so later.  The terror of the Inquisition provoked chain reactions and denunciations{{sfnp|Burman|2004|p=143}} even of spouses, children and friends.{{sfnp|Kirsch|2008|p=14}}

If they confessed within a "grace period" — usually 30 days — they could be accepted back into the church without punishment.  In general, the benefits proposed by the "edicts of grace" to those who presented themselves spontaneously were the forgiveness of the death penalty or life imprisonment and the forgiveness of the penalty of confiscation of property.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Bethencourt|first=Francisco|title=La Inquisition en la Epoca Moderna – España, Portugal e Italia Siglos XV-XIX|publisher=Akal Ediciones|year=1997|pages=202–204|language=es}}</ref>

Anyone suspected of knowing about another's heresy and who did not make the obligatory denunciation would be excommunicated and then subject to prosecution as a "promoter of heresy."{{sfnp|Saraiva|2001|p=47}} If the denouncer named other potential heretics, they would also be summoned. All types of complaints were accepted by the Inquisition, regardless of the reputation or position of the complainant. Rumors, mere suppositions, and even anonymous letters were accepted, "if the case were of such a nature that such action seemed appropriate to the service of God and the good of the Faith".{{sfnp|Saraiva|2001|p=45}} It was foreseen that prison guards themselves could report and be witnesses against the accused.{{sfnp|Saraiva|2001|pp=47–48}}

This strategy transformed everyone into an Inquisition agent, reminding them that a simple word or deed could bring them before the tribunal. Denunciation was elevated to the status of a superior religious duty, filling the nation with spies and making every individual suspicious of his neighbor, family members, and any strangers he might met.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Lea|first=Henry Charles|title=A History of the Inquisition of Spain|publisher=The MacMillan Company|year=1906|volume=2|page=91}}</ref>