How to respond to clergy breaking canon law?

[CRM_Brother]

What is the source of your understanding?

Members of diocesan tribunals and Church historians.

The canon lawyers and historians I have spoken to on this topic have admitted that the modern concept of canon law as holding authority in itself does not follow canon law’s historical and theological development and background. Canon Law only holds authority insofar as the Bishops give it authority.

It is only in the past few decades that the College of Bishops have asserted their own extraordinary authority to grant canon law the ability for recourse against a bishop for abuse of specific sections of canon law regarding the bishop’s personal actions. This, however, falls within the higher category of extraordinary magisterial authority I mentioned before. Outside of these specific sections of recourse, however, the bishops are still the ultimate judiciary and legislator within their diocese. Certain sections of canon law do have more authority than others, but this authority has been granted to it by an outside source.

 

[acanonlawyer]

I think what I’m trying to ask is when and how should the laity speak up for instances like the breaking of Canon Law?

How to respond to the clergy breaking canon law? With charity, respect, and humility! Period!

Good answer.

It helps, I think, to always keep in mind that you might be wrong and even if you are right, it might not make any positive difference.

Dan

 

[dochawk]

I think what I’m trying to ask is when and how should the laity speak up for instances like the breaking of Canon Law?

They should probably start by understanding, rather than making a baseless accusation like this.

It is entirely within the authority of the bishops to make temporary adjustments such of this.

In fact, it is their duty to take appropriate measures to take protect their flocks, and not succumb to this type of scrupulosity.