A chapter of canons is a college of priests established to celebrate solemn liturgical functions in a cathedral or collegiate church and to perform duties entrusted by law or the diocesan bishop.[1]
Nature of the office
Cathedral chapters historically advised bishops and sometimes participated in diocesan governance. The present Latin Code assigns most former governance functions to bodies such as the college of consultors while retaining the chapter’s liturgical and statutory identity.
Canonical place
A chapter must have statutes approved by the diocesan bishop, regulating its composition, offices, goods, and worship. Erection, alteration, or suppression of a cathedral chapter is reserved to the Apostolic See.
References
- 1.Code of Canon Law, canons 503–510 — Universal or special law governing the office and its competence