Understanding Church law
Canon law orders important aspects of the Church’s visible life, including governance, rights and duties, sacraments, and procedures. Distinguish the Latin Code from the law of the Eastern Catholic Churches, and distinguish universal law from local norms. A legal rule, a theological teaching, and a pastoral judgment answer different questions. Individual legal situations need qualified advice and current texts.
Follow the sources
An original library introduction, with sources for further study. This is a starting point rather than a complete treatment or a finished formation lesson.