TY - JOUR AU - Saldanha, Julian PY - 2020/12/01 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - CAN THE CHURCH BE A DEMOCRACY? JF - Asian Horizons JA - AH VL - 14 IS - 4 SE - Articles DO - UR - https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/ah/article/view/3630 SP - 977-987 AB - <p style="text-align: justify;">The Church has a divinely instituted nature, which naturally inclines her to “democratic” practices. These were very early in evidence, much before similar practices began to appear in secular society. However, democracy as we know it, has many shortcomings and flaws. So, it is not for the Church to model herself on any existing democracy, but rather to integrate into her practice those democratic elements which enhance her already existing democratic nature, and to eliminate those elements which are not in harmony with it. During the post-Vatican II period, much has been achieved in this regard, especially in recognizing the rightful role of the laity; but more still needs to be done.</p> ER -