Canon Law and its Relationship with State Law
Canon Law and its Relationship with State Law

Author(s): Cosmin Santi
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Ideas Forum International Academic and Scientific Association
Keywords: Canon Law; State Law; Jurisdiction; Complementarity; Fundamental Rights;
Summary/Abstract: This article analyzes the development of Canon Law and its importance for the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches. It presents aspects of the degree of juridification and institutionalization of Christian religious communities over the centuries and the evolution of relations between the State and the Church as a basis for dialogue between them today. Certain terms of secular law underlying the relations of collaboration and cooperation between Church and State legal systems in contemporary times are analyzed. In the key to this issue, the specific jurisdiction of the Church is defined and delimited in relation to that of the democratic state, both being equal in authority, competence and importance, but independent and complementary. Finally, it is made clear that there are no irreconcilable conflicts between the two systems of law, Church and State, and that for this reason there have been and continue to be relationships of convergence, complementarity and interaction.

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