Alexander Laschuk - Eastern Churches, Latin Territories

The Lumen Christi Institute

"Eastern Churches, Latin Territories: Ecclesial Catholicity and the Notion of Diaspora." A webinar lecture by Fr. Alexander Laschuk (University of St. Michael's College; University of Toronto). Delivered Septemeber 24, 2020 as part of a webinar series on Eastern Catholic Theology in Action," co-presented by the Lumen Christi Institute and the Godbearer Institute. --- According to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, all Eastern Catholic Churches have same rights and obligations as the Latin Church and are equal in dignity. They also share the obligation to preach the Gospel to the whole world. At the same time, the jurisdiction of the Eastern Churches is circumscribed to the notion of canonical territory. Inside this territory, the hierarchy has certain rights, while outside this territory there are numerous limitations. The talk will first discuss the notion of the Church sui iuris and the understanding of the Catholic Church as a communion of Churches. Second, it will then examine the idea of canonical territory in the Catholic Church. Historical roots of the juridical concept will be examined before looking at the current theological and canonical expression. Finally, the notion of canonical territory as currently existing will be critically examined, with special attention to the conciliar teachings as well as ecumenical implications.