Kánonjog

Kánonjog, also known as Canon Law, refers to the body of laws and regulations made by or adopted by ecclesiastical authority for the governance of the Christian Church. Historically, it has played a significant role in the structure, administration, and doctrine of various Christian denominations, particularly within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Anglican Communion. The term derives from the Greek word kanon, meaning a rule or measuring stick.

The development of kánonjog can be traced back to the early Church, where councils and papal decrees began to establish guidelines for church practice and discipline. Over centuries, these laws were compiled and systematized. A landmark in this process was the Decretum Gratiani (Gratian's Decretum) in the 12th century, which sought to harmonize conflicting canonical texts. Later, the Corpus Juris Canonici became the definitive compilation for centuries.

Kánonjog governs a wide range of matters, including sacraments, marriage, church property, the rights and duties of clergy and laity, and disciplinary procedures. While it is primarily concerned with the internal affairs of the Church, it has also historically influenced secular legal systems in Western Europe, particularly in areas like family law and inheritance. In contemporary times, most denominations have revised and updated their canon law to reflect modern challenges and theological developments.