La notion canonique de "jeunes Églises" (Canon 786) et les "moyens suffisants" pour l'exercise du ministère épiscopal

• Autores: Roland Jacques
• Localización: Studia canonica: Revue canadienne de droit canonique = A Canadian Canon Law Review, ISSN 0039-310X, Vol. 36, Nº 2, 2002, págs. 319-342
• Idioma: francés
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• Resumen

  • The first aim of missionary activity is to found the Church "amongst peoples or groups where it has not taken root before" (e. 786). It is considered co have reached its goal when these "young churches" become self-sufficient or, as the Code says, "are fully constituted." While favouring a legislation adapted co local customs such mentalities, Ad gentes also proposes that maturity in a young church is achieved with the presence old diocesan structure , the introduction of consecrated life, such the development of the laity. But achieving "sufficient means" is not merely a mathematical question; it also connotes the notion of an entrenchment susceptible of bearing fruit. Historically, the Holy See granted young churches certain exemptions such privileges meant to foster a positive environment in which they could grow. Although the canonical norms of the Code of 1917 provided for considerable flexibility, there was a marked increase in the Holy See's centralized authority. In the Code of 1983, the norms pertaining to apostolic vicariates do not clearly distinguish between a young church and an older one which has not yet been established as a diocese. In the period following Vatican II Council, a church did not become "mature" when it was considered self-sufficient, but rather when the Congregation for the Evangelizacion of Peoples ceased to exercise direct supervision over it. The A. proposes the creation of a framework law which would take into account the limitations of "young churches' not yet ready for independence or "old churches" experiencing a decrease of means.