THE LEGAL CANONICAL JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PENALTY OF SUSPENSION ON THE LAY CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL

The introduction of the possibility of punishing the lay faithful with suspension in the amended Book VI of the Code of Canon Law caused surprise and curiosity in the Church. During the press conference announcing the change, the representatives of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts devoted only a few sentences to this topic. Therefore, many questions arise as to how the introduced change will be applied in practice. It seems reasonable to examine the doctrinal basis for such a decision. The author answers the question whether such a change should be treated as a novelty that has not appeared before, even as a proposal, and whether it has its canonical justification. The research leads to the conclusion that suspension for the laity is a novelty in canon law, but it has its origins in the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, redefining the place and functions of the laity in the Church. Changes in canon law have also become a consequence of doctrinal changes. The awareness of the need to introduce the penalty of suspension for the laity matured slowly and found its fulfillment in the last amendment of the code. Previously, the right of the laity to perform certain offices and functions in the Church had been noticed and deepened, but the focus was not enough on their responsibility, based on canonical penal law.