Synodality and Particular Law

Abstract

As the theme of synodality is being discussed globally to attain better “communion, participation and mission,” this article states that this idea of communion and participation in the canonical framework was pondered over by Fr. George Nedungatt about 25 years ago. In his capacity as Professor and later Dean of the PIO and as a close collaborator of the drafting Committee of the Guidelines a Working Group he had insisted on the principle of subsidiarity in the drafting of Eastern canon law, he argued for legislative freedom and flexibility to the sui iuris Churches and individual bishops. The right of the bishops to make law in his diocese, guaranteed by episcopal consecration, and that of the Synod of Bishops for making particular law are evaluated. The author cautions against the danger of synchronization in applying this legislative right in the life of Eastern Churches.