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Document Details :

Title: Le droit ecclésial à l’intersection du «particulier» et de l’«universel»
Author(s): BORRAS, A.
Journal: Revue Théologique de Louvain
Volume: 32    Issue: 1   Date: 2001   
Pages: 55-87
DOI: 10.2143/RTL.32.1.2017508

Abstract :
Comment penser le rapport du droit universel au droit particulier? Au regard du droit universel, la Conférence épiscopale et le Synode diocésain semblent des réalités résiduelles. Cependant, du point de vue ecclésiologique, «particularité» et «universalité» ne sont pas deux réalités différentes mais deux dimensions formelles de la catholica. La catholicité doit s’exprimer dans le droit particulier, sans quoi la pluralité n’est plus honorée et l’unité se mue en uniformité.




What is the relationship between universal and particular law? The reflection of two institutions like the Bishops' Conference and the Diocesan Synod seems to suggest that particular law is to be summed up de facto as a somewhat residual reality whereas it appears de jure as to be an excellent principle (see c.20). Ecclesiologically speaking, «particularity» and «universality» are not two distinct realities, but two formal dimensions of the Catholica. Universal law guarantees unity and particular law guarantees plurality, according to the ecclesiological double principle of «in quibus» and of «ex quibus». Giving a residual place to particular law puts in question the sense of balance of the Catholic Church which is one and only, insofar as the fundamental catholicity of local Churches is not taken seriously. Without this catholicity and its enunciation in particular law, plurality is no longer honoured, and the unity which is supposedly guaranteed by universal law, is transformed into uniformity.

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