Ecumenical Langauge

[mawst]

Is there any difference between a “Canon” and a “Constitution”.

It seems the sources I am reading that provide council decrees suddenly change language, around Lyons I, and instead of the word “Canon” the word “Constitution” is used.

Is this merely a translational difference?

Thanks!

 

[mawst]

Similarly The Council of Vienne uses “Decrees” rather than either of the prior mentioned.

 

[mawst]

Hello?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Is there any difference between a “Canon” and a “Constitution”.

It seems the sources I am reading that provide council decrees suddenly change language, around Lyons I, and instead of the word “Canon” the word “Constitution” is used.

Is this merely a translational difference?

Thanks!

I assume you are talking about the “Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent” verses “The Dogmaitc Constitution on Divine Revelation” from Vatican II?

Canons generally are individual Doctrinal statements and Decrees are disciplinary statements. The Dogmatic Constitution is a larger teaching document which may contain Doctrinal or disciplinary statements.

 

[Genesis315]

Here’s a good example of the two from the First Vatican Council:

A Constitution:
ewtn.com/library/COUNCILS/V1.htm#4

Followed by Canons:
ewtn.com/library/COUNCILS/V1.htm#5

But yes, over time the delineation of different kinds of documents has been refined with more precise categories.

 

[That_one_guy]

Hello?

 

[mawst]

Thanks! That clears things up a bit.