The Nature of Ministerial Authority in the Anglican Church in New Zealand

Churchman, Vol. 119, No. 2, 2005

32 Pages Posted: 7 May 2006

Abstract

This is an analysis of the influence of secular law on the ministerial authority of the church. Its authority remains legislation based on secular statutes, and its procedures legalistic. Attempts to develop more theologically-based decision-making risks "correction" by secular courts on judicial review. Its authority has a more traditional basis - though the trustees and other lay office-holders are, in some respects, subject to closer regulation by secular legislation.

With the significant exception of the ordination of women priests, the ministry remains fairly soundly based on the historical episcopal model, with three holy orders of bishop, priest and deacon, and little affected by secular models. It is only occasionally, in their relation to their parishioners or to their ecclesiastical superiors, that the secular law has any significant impact upon the authority, responsibilities, or role of the ministry of the Church. This paper considered each order in turn, and assess their authority and role, in relation to the sometimes conflicting secular and religious models. It was shown that the law in respect of the executive branch of the Church - the ministry - is predominantly ecclesiastical. Whilst individual ministers, dignitaries, and office holders are subject to the secular laws, their authority is derived almost exclusively from ecclesiastical sources. These are sources which (unlike the judiciary and the legislature), have been subject to little secular influence, except in the ordination of women.

Keywords: canon law,ecclesiastical law, Anglican Communion,episcopacy,priesthood,deaconate

JEL Classification: K30

Suggested Citation

Cox, Noel S.B., The Nature of Ministerial Authority in the Anglican Church in New Zealand. Churchman, Vol. 119, No. 2, 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=711502

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