Medieval canon law -sources and theory-

The aim of this present volume is, in the main, to make clear the importance of those elements (Latin culture, theological texts of patristic authors, decrees, canons, etc.) which made significant influence on the development of the Church's discipline and on its interpretation in the Middle Ages. The medieval canon law collections give clear and detailed description of the canonical system, the ecclesiastical hierarchy, the daily sacramental life of the Church, the supreme authority of the Pope, and the judicial competence and activity of the ecclesiastical tribunals. However, every element of the ecclesiastical disciplinary system has a singular bond to the doctrine of the Church. This characteristic integrity is that immutability which, even among the changing frameworks, has provided for constancy in the Church's institutionalized life throughout history. (A.R.D. Szabolcs Anzelm Szuromi O.Praem.)