Canonical Procedures in Removal and Transfer of Pastors

Removal and transfer of pastors are two procedures by which the office of pastor can by lost. These procedures are inseparable from the principle of stability of pastors. Thus, the procedures are designed to enable the bishop to remove or transfer pastors when the good of souls suggest it. At the same time, the procedures seek to eliminate any episcopal arbitrariness and to give the pastor possibility for participating in the decision making process. The study analyses and evaluates adequate opportunities for defense of the pastor.

Keywords: Pastor; Ecclesiastical Office; Administrative Canonical Procedures; the Right of Defense