Recht in der Kirche des Evangeliums

Martin Honecker deals with the debate on fundamental principles in Protestant ecclesiastical law, with the question of the theological prerequisites of ecclesiastical law and with the necessary differentiations, such as for example between the law pertaining to the established churches and the law of organization within the church. In order to do so, he has taken the main historical developments in Protestant ecclesiastical law into consideration. The author also discusses those specific problems which arise when theology and the law overlap, such as church membership and church affiliation, church discipline, visitation, basic rights within the church or the effects of ecumenical Christianity on ecclesiastical law. The author's objective is to show theologians how important ecclesiastical law is for church practice. However, it is also important for legal experts to keep in mind that in regard to the basic issues in ecclesiastical law it is necessary to maintain a dialogue with theology.