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Between Legalism and Lawlessness: The Relationship between Pope and Bishops

Tradition and Sanity

"The Catholic Church, in addition to Word, sacrament, and creed, is also a community of law. Canon law orders Church life, harmonizes its institutions and procedures, and guarantees the rights of believers." These are the words of “Demos II,” an anonymous cardinal who circulated a memorandum to members of the College of Cardinals regarding the principles that should guide them in a future conclave. They are a statement of the obvious, but this obvious truth is in danger of being forgotten by Catholics with a wide range of views on other matters. One might even say, in Aristotle’s phrase, that it is evident in itself, but not evident to us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.traditionsanity.com/subscribe