Sources of ecclesiastical law
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the Church’s laws have specific and clear sources that should be respected by both believers and priests.
First source — The Holy Scripture
The Holy Scripture is the first and supreme source of church laws, and any law that contradicts the text of the Scripture is completely rejected, and the Epistles and the Gospels are cited to support this principle.
Second source — Church rites
The rites inherited from the practice of the Apostles and the early Church form a practical source of laws; the way the Church practiced the sacraments and ordinations transmitted them as lived laws.
Third source — Teachings of the Fathers
Teachings of the Fathers who are recognized academically and spiritually are considered an important source, especially the opinions of patriarchs and bishops who taught and were transmitted to councils and ritual books.
Fourth source — Church traditions
Oral tradition and practices handed down from generation to generation are considered a legal source, provided that they are correct and recognized traditions.
Temporary and particular laws
His Holiness clarifies the existence of temporary laws that were enacted to resist contemporary heresies and were repealed when their cause ended, and there are particular laws such as monastic laws that do not apply to everyone.
Practical examples and correction of some practices
He gives examples from church history of innovations or intrusive practices that were removed or corrected, and he affirms the necessity of teaching the people the correct rites and abolishing wrong practices.
Spiritual and educational summary
The purpose of these laws is not mere juridical ruling but the protection of the church’s and the people’s spiritual life: enabling the secrecy of sacraments, preserving the order of ranks, and maintaining the Coptic Orthodox tradition from disturbance and heresy.
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