The Concept of the Christian Faithful in the Code of Canon Law of 1983

Abstract

Believers are those who by the power of baptism were incorporated into Jesus Christ and established as People of God. Because of baptism they take part in clerical, prophetic and kings’ mission of Jesus. Each believer is obliged to serve this triple duty accordingly to the vocation given by God.

There are two Codex states of life in Church: clerical and secular. Theology descri-bes also a third group: consecrated one. Regardless of their state of life, all believers are equal in terms of dignity and deeds. However, the aforementioned rule of equality should be complemented by the rule of diversity. According to this rule, rights and duties of believers are dependent on their role in Church. Both rules are strictly correlated which leads to conclusion that capability of men to receive holy orders is directly derived from the rule of diversity.

Whether their role is clerical, secular or consecrated, all believers are bound to aspire to sanctity. Dogmatic Constitution about Church Lumen gentium describes in details what this obligation for sanctity aspiration means.