Suspension (canonical penalty)


Suspension, in canon law, according to Roman Catholic doctrine and practice, is a censure or punishment, by which a priest or cleric is deprived, entirely or partially, of the use of the power of orders, office, or benefice.
When a suspension is total, a cleric is deprived of the exercise of every function and of every ecclesiastical rite, and can also be temporarily deprived of Communion. The principal grounds on which suspension is incurred in the present discipline of the Church are found in the Decrees of the Council of Trent.

Catholic Church

The earlier mentions of the suspension come from the times of Saint Cyprian. The clerics were deprived of the income and suspended from performing a pastor's functions for which they were ordained.

Orthodox Church

In the eastern orthodox church, the suspension is called Deposition. When a cleric is deposed, he stops serving as a member of the clergy and it's forbidden to him to continue serving as one. Deposition is performed only by the clerics holding bishop's ranks. Usually, clerics are deposed as a canonical penalty for "immorality" or disobedience.

Notable suspensions