The Code of Canon Law in force since 1983 gave third orders full citizenship in the Church and looked on them with special favor. On dealing with associations the code avoided mentioning any ones in particular. However it did make exception with third orders. In canon no. 303 it specifies four fundamental characteristics: aspiring to Christian perfection, apostolic activity, that it be for lay people and be linked to a religious institute. The rest was left to the individual orders.
Document published: 2008.
Autor: OAR
SPAIN