Reforming the Law, Renewing the Church

Rev. Dr Merlin Rengith Ambrose

Publisher: ATC Publications, Bangalore (2025); ISBN: 978-93-48685-63-6; Pages: 345

In the wake of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops and the subsequent legislative flurry defining the current papacies, the publication of Reforming the Law, Renewing the Church by Rev. Dr Merlin Rengith Ambrose is both providential and profound. As the Executive Secretary of the Commission for Canon Law in the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and a professor at St Peter's Pontifical Institute, his book occupies a unique vantage point that bridges the gap between high-level canonical theory and the practical exigencies of the universal and local Church. This collection of 16 scholarly essays serves as a definitive guide to the "reformed Church always reforming" (Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda).

The volume is meticulously structured to address the most pressing issues of the contemporary era. It begins with a deep dive into the decentralisation of authority. The author provides a masterful analysis of the Apostolic Letter Competentias Quasdam Decernere, viewing it not as a mere bureaucratic shift, but as a realisation of the principles of subsidiarity and collegiality. He argues convincingly that by empowering local Ordinaries and religious superiors, the Church is navigating towards a more participatory horizon, where the local context is given its due canonical weight without fracturing universal unity.

A significant strength of this work lies in its ability to tackle complex juridical amendments with clarity. The author's treatment of Personal Prelatures and the revisions to canons 294-297 (specifically concerning Opus Dei) provides essential clarity on the hierarchical structure of the Church and the participation of the laity therein. Furthermore, his exploration of the revised Penal Sanctions highlights a critical paradigm shift: the primacy of justice. Fr Merlin explains that the new penal framework moves away from broad administrative discretion towards a more structured, objective system that prioritises the protection of the community and the restoration of justice.

The role of the laity is a recurring and vital theme. Through essays on Antiquum Ministerium and the Instrumentum Laboris for the Synod on Synodality, the author demonstrates how the Church is expanding the "lay presence" beyond mere assistance. He emphasises that lay participation, rooted in the baptismal call, is being juridically empowered through new ministries and participatory bodies. Crucially, the author warns that for these structures to remain credible, they must be anchored in existing canonical provisions for consultation and consent, ensuring that synodality does not descend into tokenism.

The heart of the book lies in its reflection on Synodality itself. The author analyses the synodal process through a canonical lens, translating the "Conversation in the Spirit" into potential reforms for Church law. He envisions a Church where the Roman Curia, as outlined in Praedicate Evangelium, shifts from a centre of power to a centre of missionary service. This "neo-humanistic" approach, which the author identifies as a hallmark of the current papacy, emphasises human dignity and mercy as the "canonical compass" guiding marriage nullity procedures and the protection of vulnerable persons.

Perhaps the most forward-thinking contribution in the volume is the essay on "Spiritual Abuse." The author identifies this as a "canonical delict in the making," advocating for a clear legal framework within the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to address the misuse of spiritual authority. By naming this harm, he provides a path towards justice for those wounded within ecclesial structures. Similarly, his integration of ecology into Canon Law via the "New Mass for the Care of Creation" demonstrates a remarkable breadth of thought, linking the Eucharist to environmental stewardship.

He reminds the reader that the "universal call to holiness" is not a private endeavor, but a public witness that requires a sound legal framework to flourish. Whether discussing higher education or the spiritual life, the author remains unfailingly faithful to the Magisterium while courageously addressing the "signs of the times."

In conclusion, 'Reforming the Law, Renewing the Church' is an essential companion for the laity, priests, sisters and seminarians and anyone engaged in Church governance or pastoral care. It is a work of profound ecclesial love, demonstrating that law is not a cold set of rules, but a vital instrument of the Spirit used to animate the Body of Christ. The author has provided a roadmap for the future, a future where the law serves the common good, and ensures that the Church remains a credible witness of Christ's mercy in a changing world. This volume is a "must-have" for libraries, chanceries, and the desks of those who seek to lead with both a juridical mind and a shepherd's heart.

FR SAHAYARAJ