What are the laws of the Church?
1. First source: the Holy Bible
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III affirms that the Holy Bible is the first and original source of church laws, and he cites texts related to marriage and divorce (Matthew and Mark and Luke) and rules concerning religious difference and partnership between believer and unbeliever (1 Corinthians).
2. Subjects of Biblical laws
The Scriptures include rules about marriage (one marriage, no divorce except for the cause of adultery), prohibitions of marriage in the Old Testament (Leviticus), and rulings related to the priesthood, widows, virgins, prayers and spiritual manners.
3. Tradition and rites as a secondary source
He explains that many details of worship and the sacraments (how baptism is done, chrism, laying on of hands, the breathing, prayers of consecration) are not stated literally in the Book but were transmitted by tradition and set in the rites that are considered sources of church law.
4. The Apostolic Canons and the Councils
He mentioned the collections of the Apostolic Canons (127 laws in two books: 56 and 71) and the laws of the Ecumenical Councils (Nicaea 325, Constantinople 381, Ephesus 431) in addition to local and regional councils that organized practical matters such as accepting apostates and their penalties.
5. The laws of the great Fathers and monasticism
The laws include letters and teachings of the Church Fathers (Basil, Athanasius, Timothy, Cyril…) and the rules of monasticism and monastic orders which also influenced the West and were adopted by Catholic monastics.
6. Law as a servant of grace and order
The lecturer affirms that laws are not an end in themselves but means to preserve holiness, order, and correct worship, and that some laws were temporary to address heresies or historical circumstances while others are fixed due to their biblical and ecclesial solidity.
7. Practical and historical aspect
He pointed out that some rulings about building, the orientation toward the east, worship hymns, and even details like making the sign of the cross were taken from historical tradition and based on the experience of the generations.
Brief conclusion
Church laws derive from Scripture, tradition, councils, and the Fathers; they aim to preserve the mystery and spirit of the Church, distinguishing clearly between what is fixed and sacred and what is administrative and time-bound and may be modified according to wisdom and tradition.
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