Evanjelické cirkevné súdnictvo v hornouhorských slobodných kráľovských mestách v 16. a 17. storočí
Lutheran Church Law and its Institutions in the Upper Hungarian Royal Free Towns in the 16th and 17th Centuries

Summary/Abstract: The study focuses on the influence of the Reformation on the theory and practice of church law in the Upper Hungarian royal free towns. The period covered (ca. 1550–1670) represents an era of close interconnectedness between urban socio-political and Lutheran confessional identities. The topic is analysed from three mutually overlapping perspectives. Firstly, theological argumentation is analysed, focusing on Luther’s doctrines of two kingdoms (Zwei-Reiche-Lehre) as well as three estates (Drei-Stände-Lehre). Attention is also devoted to the impact of Philip Melanchthon and advisory activities (consilia) by the intellectual centres of Central European Lutheranism. Secondly, relations between secular and church authorities in the Upper Hungarian towns are analysed in view of the ideal (Lutheran) model. On the one hand, a number of issues, previously covered by Canon law, became the responsibility of secular bodies (such as town councils). On the other hand, the urban Lutheran clergy functioned as an advisory body to the decision-making secular institutions. Finally, a case study of Lutheran church justice at the level of the superintendency (meaning the regional Lutheran church organization) in the 17th century is provided. The analysis focuses on marriage law, however, issues of doctrinal orthodoxy and public morals are also mentioned. The study stresses the complex relationship between change and continuity in the case of Lutheran church law in the Upper Hungarian towns, the relationship between secular and ecclesiastical authorities as well as the interaction between foreign influences and established local customs.

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