Dr Condon, I had thought that the question of lay members of religious institutes having authority over clerical members had been resolved centuries ago in the Latin church. In particular the question came up considering the governance of the Knights Templar. The commanders had authority over the clerical members.
I also seem to recall that until the First World War, the Austro-Hungarian Emperor had a veto over the election of the Pope, which seems to indicate a rather great amount of governance by a lay person.
Over the last millenium, the understanding of governance has increased — the Constitution of the United States is one example, and the gradual dimunition of the powers of the crown and the House of Lords in Great Britian is another. Perhaps the Church should review the governance arrangements, and ensure that what has been learned about good governance is incorporated into the life of the Church.
Dr Condon, I had thought that the question of lay members of religious institutes having authority over clerical members had been resolved centuries ago in the Latin church. In particular the question came up considering the governance of the Knights Templar. The commanders had authority over the clerical members.
I also seem to recall that until the First World War, the Austro-Hungarian Emperor had a veto over the election of the Pope, which seems to indicate a rather great amount of governance by a lay person.
Over the last millenium, the understanding of governance has increased — the Constitution of the United States is one example, and the gradual dimunition of the powers of the crown and the House of Lords in Great Britian is another. Perhaps the Church should review the governance arrangements, and ensure that what has been learned about good governance is incorporated into the life of the Church.