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International Movement for a
Catholic Constitution
Elements of a Constitution are found
in many of the Catholic Church's documents. According to Dr. Leonard Swidler of
Temple University and founding member of ARCC, "for more than half its history,
the Catholic Church has been a "constitutional monarchy." A Catholic
Constitution is in the spirit of Jesus' gospel of liberation and love. It would
adapt the most effective of the governance principles recognized as necessary
for the human community at the beginning of the 21st century. In 1996, the
Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church (ARCC), in consultation
with Catholic organizations worldwide, developed a Proposed Catholic
Constitution. Key governance principles on which that document are based on are:
1. A Written Constitution -Throughout
the Church each community would form its own body of regulations to ensure
continuity of just procedures.
2. Subsidiarity - All decision-making
rights and responsibilities would remain in the domain of smaller community
unless the good of the broader community specifically demands that it exercise
those rights and responsibilities.
3. Election - their respective
constituents would elect Church leaders to office.
4. Limited Term of Office - Leaders
would hold office for a limited term.
5. Separation of Powers - would be
observed through elected councils and leaders, as well as through established
judicial systems at all level. All will branches share responsibility in ways
appropriate to the spirit of the Gospel and this Constitution.
6. Accountability - All leaders and
councils would regularly provide their constituents an account of their work.
7. Representation - All Catholics,
including women and minorities, would be equitably represented in all positions
of leadership and decision-making.
8. Dialogue - All decisions would be
arrived at thorough a process of charitable and respectful dialogue.
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