Do the Eastern Catholic Churches have a different Canon Law than the Roman Church? If they do, can you please point out some significant differences? Thank you.

Hi Tony,

The Code of Canons for the Eastern Churches governs all members of the 21 Eastern Catholic Churches sui iuris. Wow, notable differences, depends frankly on the area of law that you are speaking about. But here are a few that come to mind: 1 - the norm in the Eastern Catholic Churches is to receive baptism and confirmation (chrismation) together and also for many Eastern Catholic Churches to receive also First Holy Communion at the same time. 2 - married men may not only be ordained to the diaconate, but also may be ordained to the priesthood. 3 - there is no latae sententiae excommunication in the Eastern Code; all excommunications must be ferendae sententiae, or require some process before an excommunication can be determined. 4 - in the Latin Catholic anyone may, with the proper matter and form baptize in danger of death situations, even an unbeliever. In the Eastern Code, only a validly baptized person may baptize in a danger of death situation (of course clergy still may). 5 - Deacons are not ordinary ministers of baptism in the Eastern Code. 6 - All Eastern Catholic priests have the faculty to chrismate (confirm). 7 - There is a preference in the Eastern Code for ascription in the father's Church sui iuris (if the parents are both Catholic, but of different Churches sui iuris). 8 - All conditions invalidate marriage in the Eastern Code, as opposed to certain conditions are permissible in the Latin Code (cf. canon 1102, CIC). 9 - depending upon the size of the Eastern Catholic Church, some Eastern Catholic Churches may elect their own bishops, with confirmation from the Holy See. I know there are more, there are some that I can think of, off of the top of my head.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Peace and blessings, Bob

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