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Simple English definitions for legal terms
simony
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A quick definition of simony:
Simony is when someone gives or receives money or gifts in exchange for a higher position in the church. This is against the rules and is considered a very bad thing. It's named after a man named Simon Magus who tried to buy spiritual powers. If someone is caught doing simony, they can lose their right to choose who gets a job in the church. It's also against the law to make any deals involving simony.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Simony is the illegal practice of buying or selling spiritual promotion or positions within the church. This includes buying or selling a benefice (a position in the church) or the right to present clergy to a vacant benefice.
For example, if a person pays money to a bishop in exchange for being appointed to a high-ranking position within the church, that is considered simony. Similarly, if a person pays money to be appointed as a priest in a particular church, that is also simony.
Simony is named after Simon Magus, a biblical figure who tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles. The practice is considered a serious offense within the church and is often accompanied by perjury (lying under oath).