ABSTRACT
This chapter is written from the perspective of the Roman Catholic tradition, more specifically from that of the Latin Church. It seeks first to present the legal system on its own terms – that is, from its theological self-understanding – and then to evaluate the Statement of Principles of Christian Law formulated jointly with the other participants in the project. The presentation of the Latin Church’s canonical system begins with its sources and the forms of church law spanning the Christian era, from New Testament times onwards. Consideration is given to the different kinds of laws and norms and to the considerable scope of canon law. The system’s foundations are not neglected. The chapter then provides a commentary on and evaluation of the agreed Principles. Cumulatively, they demonstrate a degree of unity between the churches and may be deployed in the ecumenical endeavour to enhance fuller visible unity.
