| Summary: | The problem is: how can a juridical system, that is, a set of obligatory community rules, work in a religious society where every act really and properly religious is to be considered free? The discussion of this problem is based on the concept of the Church as a sacramental community. Now, membership in such a community, the functions and ministries performed therein, the very union among the individual members, and the necessary unity of the community as a whole, are not determined primarily by autonomous decisions of the community or of its authorities, but by an immediate vocation or mission from God Himself. It is not the hierarchy or the juridical system that imposes faith, hope, charity, and, in a word, the whole religious attitude; but, instead, this religious attitude presupposes also the acknowledgement of the pastoral mission given by God. Out of this fundamental truth some essential conclusions can be derived about the canonical juridical system. It cannot impose faith; in fact, its validity as well as any true acknowledgement of authority presupposes faith. Though law is indispensable for a stable living-together, nevertheless it cannot be the last word without appeal, because it cannot absolve any member from his immediate responsibility before God. Therefore, the presence of Oikonomia or Dispensatio is essential to a canonical system. — In an ecclesiastical society there cannot legitimately be an opposition between common spiritual good and individual or private spiritual good. Private religious behavior is not regulated by laws, but by education and teaching. The practical and effective value of the canonical system is much more important than its mere formal and juridical value. — The exercise of authority even through laws, must show very clearly the character of pastoral service to the free religious life of the faithful. The principles of common consent and of dialogue within an ecclesiastical community are derived from the fact that all the individual members should be themselves united with the Lord, and because of their union with Him, should be united with one another. This twofold union is signified principally in the eucharistic celebration of Christ's death and resurrection.
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