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CHICAGO STUDJES.
Other elements of the law which affect Church structure, including the canons relating to the hierarchy, laity, church administration, and procedures, have yet to be submitted to the bishops of the world for their review. lt is reported thot ali these canons have been drofted, but until they receive world.wide discussion it is unknown whether the current working drafts will be anything Jike what is flnally adopted. ln the meantime, there are three principles which con guide those responsible for the structural life of the Church todoy. The first is to clarify the basic purpose for which the structures exist. This constitutes a sort of fundamental option, determining whether the structures exist for purposes in themselves, or are directed toward a broader end such os the mission of the Church. The second principle relates to the working mĂ´del of Church life which will most effectively achieve the purpose for the structures. An increasing number of pastoral theologiens and canon lawyers argue thot the working model of the Church as a community of persans provides the best known working model at this time for the conditions of the Church os we enter the third millenium. Finally, the persona! attitude of those responsible for implementing Church structures will be the most influential dimension of the whole effort. An attitude of stewardship rather thon proprietorship, service rather than being served, is the basic Christian stance. lt applies to anyone who exercises responsibility within the Church structure. lt will, in the end, determine whether the People of God will accept, live and grow through those structures which are developed for their benefit.