The society of Christian doctrine - a case study in the regulation of religious associations/societies

Abstract

This dissertation aims at analysing the various provisions in the canon law and state legislation regulating, one particular religious association, the Society of Christian Doctrine (M.U.S.E.U.M.). It revolves around the premise that there is no single ad hoc legislation which is currently specifically regulating this association. Although, the Society of Christian Doctrine has existed since the beginning of the twentieth century and has spread all over the Maltese Archipelago and beyond, the SDC is still a sui generis association in various ways. This dissertation will attempt to discern the veracity of this comment by examining the Statute of the Society of Christian Doctrine and the relevant legal and canon rights and duties which bind the SDC. The First Chapter provides the historical-legal context of the Society. The Chapter captures the origins of the Society of Christian Doctrine and the several acts and contributions which represent legal mile-stones in the process by which the SDC acquired a distinct and separate juridical personality. The Second Chapter attempts to understand the position of the Society of Christian Doctrine in Canon law and examines the rights and duties derived from Canon law binding all religious associations, including the Society of Christian Doctrine. The Third Chapter studies three different legal aspects which are related to the SDC and its management. These legal aspects are compared with the SDC's Statute and will show how the relevant legislation regulates the SDC and the various rights and obligations which emanate from these laws. The Conclusion discusses other collateral issues involving the Society of Christian Doctrine as well as include further comments and suggestions from this author, regarding possible steps that could be taken to improve the legal position of the Society.