Legal Standing

The legitimacy of the Vancouver Traditional Mass Society is based on Canon 215 of the New Code of Canon Law (1983) which states clearly the right of the faithful, both clergy and laity, to found associations for religious purposes and to pursue these purposes in common. This fundamental right of association is confirmed by Canon 299.1 which states:

By private agreement among themselves, Christ's faithful have the right to constitute associations for the purposes mentioned in Canon 298.1, namely to strive by common effort to exercise apostolic works including the promotion of public worship. In order to make this collaborative ministry more effective and so achieve their ecclesial aims, the faithful must have a legal basis for their common efforts. Hence the provision of canonical prescriptions to protect and underpin their just prerogatives and provide a legal framework within which the Church can 'serve' their aspirations.