France’s Catholic bishops have set up what they believe to be the world’s first major national church court, replacing a previous network of local tribunals, although sexual abuse cases involving children will still be referred to the Vatican.
“As a community of believers, the church has developed a comprehensive legal system, which includes the right to sanction behavior by members” who undermine “the church’s spiritual and human values,” the bishops’ conference said in a statement.
“These ecclesial procedures do not conflict with French law. … Like all religions, the Catholic Church is free in its internal organization, and all Catholics, as French citizens, also remain subject to the state law.”
The statement explained the role of the National Canonical Penal Court, set up in Paris Dec. 5.
It said the 20-member court, approved by the Vatican in September, would be tasked with judging “canonical offenses committed by clergy and laity” nationwide, such as acts of sacrilege, apostasy, schism, misuse of sacraments and teachings against the church’s magisterium. The court aimed to “strengthen and harmonize” procedures formerly followed by diocesan and archdiocesan tribunals.
French bishops set up world’s first national church court – UCA News
French bishops set up world’s first national church court – UCA News
Posted by