INTERVENTION AND INTERFERENCES OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY IN THE LAW OF ASSOCIATION. STUDY OF CASES

Abstract

This article specifies, on the one hand, what freedom or the right of association in the Church entails; and, on the other hand, the faculties of the ecclesiastical authority with respect to the associations of the faithful (vigilance, visitation and regime), above all to highlight that such competences cannot hinder the right of association, much less limit it, replace it or reorder it to its own whim. Rather on the contrary, they should encourage him, accompany him, guide him, follow him,… in short, take care of him. To this end, the ius statuendi contained in canon 94 § 1 is analyzed and the need to reconcile the right of association with the faculties that corresponds to the ecclesiastical authority is reflected, in order to seek a balance that guides the relationship of the members of an association with the hierarchy, in an exercise of ecclesial co-responsibility that Pope Francis calls synodality, inviting one and the other to walk together in the evangelizing mission that we all have as members of the Church, the People of God.