The Catholic Churches of the Christian East (original) (raw)

This contribution discusses the juridical and cultural situation of all Eastern Catholic communities governed by the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. The study presents the criteria for understanding church and rite, discussing essential and non-essential properties used to describe Eastern Catholic Churches. After a brief historical survey, properties and autonomy proper to an Eastern church are discussed in light of the Second Vatican Council and current juridical situation of Eastern Churches so that areas of continued development are highlighted to suggest future reforms for realization of full restoration of autonomy to each church of the Christian East.