Examples Of Simony In The Catholic Church

Simony and Nepotism of the Catholic Church

Simony and nepotism were some of the most controversial practices of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. They both placed unjust money and power into the hands of the leaders and high offices of the Church. Though simony and nepotism are different concepts, they are similar in many ways. Simony is the buying and selling of church roles and offices while nepotism is where higher up church leaders would give their coveted church roles to their family members. Both of them are unlawful in that they give certain church roles and offices to people who do not necessarily deserve them. People involved in these practices did not need an education or religious background, if they paid or were relatives of higher up leaders then they would receive a good position.

Simony and

One of the most notable simoniacs of all time was Herbert Loisinga who started out in a low church position but eventually bought his way to becoming the abbot, the leader of a monastery of monks, of Ramsey. From there he eventually bought his way to being the abbot of many other areas. Other examples of Simony include: when the Abbot of Glastonbury was expelled from his office but later bought his seat back from the king; and when Robert Bloet was appointed to a church role, but could not obtain the liberties of the church until he paid 5,000 in silver to the person who appointed him.

One of the other most controversial practices of the Catholic Church was nepotism. It was where Catholic popes and bishops would give important and coveted positions to their male relatives. Often times these male relatives would be their illegitimate sons who were referred to as nephews. During that time, the higher office of the church was mostly limited to family members. It was a rare occasion where those positions were granted based on devotion, faith, and