Vatican Synod commission proposes “complete revision” of canon law — including marriages without a priest.
A 10-member Canonical Commission established as part of the Vatican’s Synod on Synodality has published today proposals to reshape canon law.
The report says that in the long term there is an “obvious need for a complete revision” of the Codes. The goal is to reflect emerging “theological and ecclesiological issues.”
Among the proposals:
• Sensus fidei: Canon 749 would begin by stating that “the entire body of the Christian faithful… cannot err in matters of faith” when universal consent in faith and morals is manifested “from the bishops down to the last of the lay faithful.”
• Duty to listen: Pastors would have a canonical “duty to listen to the opinion of the Christian faithful” through communal discernment.
• Lay governance: Bishops could appoint lay “episcopal delegates” exercising delegated authority. Lay men and women could serve as diocesan judges and, in certain cases, as a single judge.
• Marriage: Where priests and deacons are lacking, bishops could delegate lay men or women to assist at marriages without obtaining permission from Rome.
• Parish and diocesan governance: Every parish would have a pastoral council participating in the formulation of pastoral guidelines and decisions. Diocesan synods would be required at least every ten years, with lay faithful constituting a majority of members, while the bishop remains the legislator.
• Accountability: Bishops would face stronger accountability requirements. Parish and diocesan finances would be reported annually and, where possible, independently audited.
Before sending his five-year report to Rome, a bishop would first present at least a summary to his faithful.
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