Christian Law

Abstract

Christian Law: Contemporary Principles offers a detailed comparison of the laws of churches across ten distinct Christian traditions worldwide: Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Reformed, Presbyterian, United, Congregational and Baptist. From this comparison, Professor Doe proposes that all denominations of the faith share common principles in spite of their doctrinal divisions; and that these principles reveal a concept of 'Christian law' and contribute to a theological understanding of global Christian identity. Adopting a unique interdisciplinary approach, the book provides comprehensive coverage on the sources and purposes of church law, the faithful (lay and ordained), the institutions of church governance, discipline and dispute resolution, doctrine and worship, the rites of passage, ecumenism, property and finance, as well as church, State and society. This is an invaluable resource for lawyers and theologians who are engaged in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, showing how dogmas may divide but laws link Christians across traditions.

Front-Line Resilience Perspectives: The Electric Grid

“…Resulting power disruptions can often be long term if the ensuing damage takes on a domino effect, knocking out trees, transmission towers, transformers, and distribution poles together. 234 For example, in June 2012, an estimated 4 million people and businesses lost power for up to 1 week when a complex of thunderstorms, coupled with widespread strong winds (i.e., a derecho), swept across the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic coast, affecting 10 states and Washington, D.C. 235,236 Storm-related outages, which individually can last from minutes to weeks, have been estimated to cost the U.S. economy an inflation-adjusted average of $18 billion to $33 billion per year between 2003 and 2012; some estimates are even greater. 237 Available damage and outage figures for specific coastal storms include Superstorm Sandy (2012) at $8 million and 14 days; Hurricane Isabel (2003) at $6.5 million and 14 days; and Hurricane Irene (2011) at $6 million and 5 days.…”

The Ecumenical Value of Comparative Church Law: Towards the Category of Christian Law

“…101 They are established by competent authority, administered by qualified personnel, tiered as to original and appellate jurisdiction and exercise such authority over members as is conferred on them by law. 102 Every effort must be made by the faithful to settle disputes amicably, lawfully and justly -recourse to church courts and tribunals is a last resort. 103 Judicial process may be composed of informal resolution, investigation, a hearing and/or other stages as may be prescribed by law, including an appeal.…”

“…Churches enable removal of sanctions on the basis of, for example, forgiveness and restoration to the full benefits of ecclesial association. 106…”

“…132 The same norms are also found in Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches. 133 Marriage and divorce Other rites that Common Vision does not deal with include marriage. Churches have complex norms on marriage, which is defined typically as a lifelong union between one man and one woman, instituted by God for the mutual affection and support of the parties and which may be ordered to procreation.…”

“…148 The extent and terms of ecclesial communion or other relationship between churches of two or more traditions may be set out in a constitutional union, concordat, covenant or other agreement between them. 149…”