Canon Law – Disciplinary Penalties for the Clergy

First: The Principle of Trial and Justice

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III affirms the fundamental rule: no judgment without a trial, except for preventive or temporary measures in cases of flagrant offense or danger, to prevent the spread of wrongdoing before canonical adjudication.

Second: Preventive Measures

A priest may be temporarily suspended from certain sacraments or from ministry as a precautionary action when a clear offense exists, without this being considered a final judgment, until a proper ecclesiastical trial is held.

Third: Qualities of the Ecclesiastical Judge

Scripture and the Didascalia require that a bishop not be quick-tempered or hasty in excommunication, since some sins are corrected through teaching and instruction rather than punishment, especially those arising from ignorance or misunderstanding.

Fourth: Witnesses and Appeals

Testimony is accepted only by two or three just witnesses. Acknowledging the possibility of human injustice, the Church allows appeals from a priest to his bishop, from a bishop to the patriarch, and to the Holy Synod.

Fifth: Offenses Leading to Deposition

These include simony (obtaining ordination through bribery), receiving two ordinations in one rank, physical violence, adultery, theft, false oaths, usury toward the poor, insulting superiors, and falling into heresies affecting doctrine.

Sixth: Distinction Between Deposition and Excommunication

Deposition from priesthood does not always mean expulsion from the Church, since canon law forbids imposing two penalties for one sin; thus, the cleric loses his priestly rank but remains a member of the Church.

Seventh: Communion with Heretics

Clergy are forbidden from participating in liturgical prayer or sacraments with heretics or excommunicated persons, as this encourages heresy and causes confusion among the faithful.

Eighth: Pastoral Negligence

Neglect in teaching or caring for the people is a serious cause for discipline and may lead to suspension and eventual deposition if it continues, because the shepherd is responsible for the salvation and instruction of the flock.

Ninth: The Purpose of Discipline

Church discipline aims to prevent negligence, protect the Church, and call the offender to repentance, while stressing that constant leniency without discipline leads to disorder and loss of reverence for ministry.

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