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Name:
Uniat Churches
Uniate Churches
Eastern Catholic Churches
Eastern-rite Catholic Churches
Eastern Rite Catholic Churches
Definition:
The Eastern Rite Churches are Christian churches which are "in union" with Rome
(thus the names Uniat or Uniate), but which also retain their local customs,
language and religious laws. Being "in union" with Rome means that these churches
recognize the authority of the pope as the head of the Christian Church and the
authority of the Roman curia as the organization responsible for general
administration.
In Roman Catholicism, the theological basis for the creation of Uniat Churches lies in the Council of Florence, where it was decided a reunion between Western and Eastern Christianity should occur on the basis of having diverse traditions, but a unity of faith and authority. That is why these churches are allowed to retain their local languages (instead of using Latin), local customs (regarding the nature of services) and local religious laws (priests are allowed to marry, for example).
Among members of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the term "Uniat" tends to be used disparagingly because, in practice, there is much less diversity of tradition and custom than Roman authorities would like people to believe. Rather than reinforcing local practices, unification tends to reinforce a pervasive Latinization as Roman Catholic practices and traditions tend to take control. This is exactly what Eastern Christians do not want to happen, should a reunification between East and West ever occur. Thus, when it comes to the issue of creating a single Christian Church, the question "But whose Christianity?" remains valid and important.
The existence of Eastern Rite Churches can also cause public relations problems for the Roman Catholic hierarchy. For example, one of the more divisive questions which occupies Roman Catholics in the United States is the celibacy of priests. Many Catholics who might be considered liberal or progressive feel that priests should be celibate if they wish, but they should also be allowed to marry if that is what they wish.
The Roman Catholic Church is adamantly opposed to this, arguing that celibacy is necessary for the performance of a priest's duties - but if that is so, why are priests in Eastern Rite Churches still permitted to marry. In fact, married priests who are part of the Eastern Rite Churches have been asked not to come to the United States because it is felt that their presence might "confuse" devout Catholics - sadly, many Catholics are completely unaware of even the existence of these priests, much less that they fundamentally contradict some of the things which their own leaders tell them.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Christianity?
What are the various Christian groups, denominations, sects and heresies? What are some key concepts in Christian theology? What are some of the most important events in Christian history? All of this and more are covered in the Christianity FAQ.What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear. Read more about how dictionaries, scholars and others have tried to define and explain religion.
