Cathedral Chapter Münster

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The Münster Cathedral Chapter is a spiritual corporation at St. Paulus Cathedral in Münster . Today it administers the cathedral, elects and advises the bishop. It goes back to the establishment of a monastery in 792/793, from which the cathedral monastery of St. Paul was formed after the city was elevated to the status of a bishopric in 799. With the separation of church property between the bishop and the cathedral chapter , the latter was given control over considerable property and court rights. The supervision of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction in most of the archdeaconates of the Münster diocese was also in the hands of the cathedral chapter. On this basis, the cathedral chapter developed into the leading status in the bishopric of Münster and was able to limit the power of the prince-bishop. The original community life was soon abandoned in favor of individual households. The canons' curiae were located at the cathedral courtyard in the center of Münster. Overall, the cathedral chapter became secular and it became a pension institution for later-born sons of the canon nobility . With the Prussian occupation in 1802 it lost much of its importance and was dissolved in its old form in 1806. On a completely changed basis with no worldly power or possession, it was later restored as a community of clergy.

St. Paul Cathedral in Munster

history

founding

The cathedral chapter of Münster emerged from the founding of the monastery in Münster in 792/793. It was then that Saint Liudger founded an honestum monasterium sub regula canonica famulatium in a place called Mimigernaford . There is no reliable information about the reasons for the choice of location. Traffic geographic reasons undoubtedly played a role. In addition, Charlemagne , on whose behalf Liudger founded the monastery, had possessions there that he could transfer to the monastery as a material basis. These former Saxon goods came into royal hands during the Saxon Wars . The later Bispinghof and Brockhof were the central upper courts. The associated farms were essentially within a 15 km radius of Münster. Some were further, hardly any 30 km away.

Liudger was the abbot of this monastery. The name Münster was derived from this later. Probably the monks followed the rule of St. Benedict . It is not known from which other monastery the first convent members came. In contrast to Liudger, who was still on the road as a missionary, the monks of the cathedral monastery hardly took part.

When Charlemagne divided the Saxon area into dioceses in 799, Münster became a bishopric. But only after the founding of the Werden monastery did Liudger declare himself ready to become bishop in Münster in 804. The cathedral monastery was initially not converted into a cathedral chapter. This made it necessary to build a cathedral next to the monastery church. While the monastery church was consecrated to St. Paul, the cathedral had the patronage of St. Salvator and the Virgin Mary. It is not known what way of life the clergy of the cathedral followed.

Early and High Middle Ages

Canon cemetery in the cloister of the cathedral

The common life of the bishop and chapter members soon played no role anymore because the bishops often stayed outside of Münster. Gradually, the monastery changed from a monastic community to a chapter of canons. In the beginning , the common life, the Vita communis , was adhered to. The chapters of the Paulus monastery and the cathedral, although both occupied by canons, initially remained side by side. Together they formed a legal entity, the ecclesia Mimigernafordensis . In the 9th century, the property community of bishop and chapter began to separate in a lengthy process. This can be seen at the time of Bishop Wolfhelm (end of the 9th century). The reasons for this alienation are unclear. Competitive struggles between rival noble families may have played a role.

The division of property between the bishop and the cathedral chapter was carried out according to customary practice in such a way that one of two adjacent courts was assigned to the bishop and the other to the cathedral chapter. The Domburg was also divided in this way. The eastern area belonged to the cathedral chapter and the rest to the bishop. The former St. Mary's Cathedral was also the responsibility of the bishop. The division of wealth was a process that spanned several decades, was full of conflict and took place particularly in the time of Bishop Swidger (early 11th century).

The separation of bishop and chapter became manifest through the construction of the bishop's palace towards the end of the 10th century, probably during the time of Bishop Dodo . The construction also required changes to the previous buildings. The cloister was moved to the east and the other buildings such as the dormitory were made smaller. Around this time, the community life of the canons gradually began to loosen and dissolve. This probably applies to the provost of the cathedral first . At the time of Dodo the two clerical communities still existing side by side, the Pauluskirche and the Marienkirche, were finally united in the Pauluskirche. Since then, there has been no choral prayer in the old cathedral from Liudger's time. However, it was initially used for the burial of the bishops.

Certain tendencies towards secularization of the canons and a decrease in attending choir prayer became apparent at the beginning of the 11th century. The trend was more pronounced with the cathedral chapter than with the bishops. As a result of the increase in population in the Münster settlement, further parishes have emerged in addition to the cathedral since the 11th century. The first thing that came into being was the monastery and parish of Überwasser . It was followed by St. Mauritz and others. Bishop Burchard von Holte (1098–1118) founded a collegiate chapter in the old cathedral that was closely linked to the cathedral monastery . The provost office of the new community was always held by a canon.

The first bishop election attested by the cathedral chapter in Münster was that of Dietrichs II von Winzenburg (1118–1127). Previously, the bishops had probably all been appointed by the king. One of the canons' calculations was to move closer to the papal party in the investiture controversy with this election . Heinrich V drove the bishop out of the city in 1119. Lothar von Süpplingenburg and Hermann von Winzenburg conquered Münster in 1121 to reinstate Dietrich. The entire city with Domburg and cathedral caught fire. One consequence was the founding of the Cappenberg Monastery by the Counts of Cappenberg as atonement . The fire meant the end of the settlement in the Domburg. Since then, the area has belonged exclusively to the bishop and the cathedral chapter. Possibly afterwards the construction of canons 'curiae and the establishment of the canons' own households began.

Rest of the immunity wall at the cathedral courtyard

With the Worms Concordat of 1122, the cathedral chapters were assured the free election of bishops. This was one of the foundations on the basis of which the cathedral chapters could rise to the first and leading class in the later spiritual territories. At the time of Ludwig von Wippras in 1173 the Stiftsvogtei was acquired by the Counts of Tecklenburg . This concerned both the episcopal as well as the cathedral capital property. During this time the cathedral chapter argued with the citizens of the city about the boundaries of the immunity district. The dispute was settled by the bishop. Bishop Hermann von Katzenelnbogen took part in the construction of the cathedral. He also founded the St. Aegidii Monastery and the St. Ludgeri and St. Martini collegiate monasteries . The new foundations were provided with parishes that were divided by the cathedral parish.

In 1193 the archdeaconates in the diocese were also reorganized. Most of them have since been in the hands of canons. This gave them and no longer the bishop the direct spiritual right of supervision. The bishop was essentially relegated to the secular sphere. With the end of the common meal in the 13th century, the last remnant of the community life of the canons disappeared.

Late Middle Ages

The number of prebends rose from twelve to more than double. There were twelve canonici maiores ("wheat bank") and twelve canonici minores ("barley bank"). In addition there were the provost and twelve young boys. Membership in one of the three groups was based on membership in the chapter. The right to confer preambles had already passed from the bishop to the chapter by this time. The cathedral chapter also conferred secular offices, such as B. the inheritance of a Drosten , which the knight Engelbert voneckenbrock (1266-1298) and after him his son and grandson held and which later became the name of his family, the Droste zu Hülshoff . In social terms, the cathedral chapter began to separate itself more and more from non-aristocratic members, last in 1392/99. The families of the nobility secured the occupation through a certain procedure.

The Münster schism since 1272 and the armed conflicts connected with it and the dispute between the chapter and the provost worsened the economic situation. This was intensified in the middle of the 14th century by the effects of the plague and the conversion to the money economy. The purchase and exchange as well as the accumulation of benefices spread more and more. The capitulars neglect their spiritual duties and especially choral prayer. Most of the canons renounced the higher orders. Since the canons were unwilling and unable to perform worship services, the number of cathedral vicars increased. Such a position was first documented in Münster in 1225. The churches in Billerbeck , Stadtlohn , Beckum and Warendorf , which were subordinate to the canons, were looked after by deputies. The same applies to the administration of archdeaconates.

The trial and dismissal of Bishop Otto von Rietberg shows how self-confident the chapter has become . He died in Avignon in 1308 . The election of his successor Konrad von Berg was declared uncanonical by Clemens V. He claimed the replacement for himself. In protest, the cathedral chapter declined to propose itself. The Pope appointed Ludwig of Hesse . Nevertheless, he took office without any problems. The first conflicts with the cathedral chapter arose when the bishop tried to bring his own relatives into it. This was followed by disputes about various clerical positions. The bishop usually prevailed. Against this background, Chapter 1313 was the first to provide basic statutes.

These could not prevent further conflicts about money, for example. For a long time the chapter had accepted the bishop's debt policy, partly because episcopal goods came to the chapter through pledges. In the longer term, the debt was no longer sustainable. The bishop was forced to approve a 42-person council as a controlling body. It also included leading canons. Nothing changed in the conflict-ridden relationship between the bishop and the chapter. A trial brought by the cathedral chapter to the Archbishop of Cologne, in which the Sorbonne's expert opinion was obtained, ended with a victory for the cathedral chapter. Words of warning didn't help either. The bishop has again turned the chapter against himself, favoring a relative. Subsequently, too, the chapter and the bishop clashed several times. His death may have preceded a dismissal.

The disputes between the cathedral chapter and the provost did not end until 1370, when the provost lost his previous position as the highest dignitary . This position was taken over by the cathedral dean . The members of the cathedral monastery enjoyed legal immunity. This included not only the canons, but also the associated clergy, servants and, increasingly, the dependent peasants or wagons. Conflicts with the secular courts were predetermined. The dean of the cathedral exercised jurisdiction in the area of ​​immunity. In addition, in the 14th century the cathedral monastery succeeded in acquiring several Gogerichte , which they had administered by secular judges. If possible, no foreign court should be involved in disputes within the community. In the case of deep-seated conflicts, stipulations in so-called unions did not help to resolve disputes within the body. If necessary, some turned to the Archbishop of Cologne or even the Rota in Rome. The danger, especially with the involvement of the Curia in Rome, was that certain rights could be lost, for example with regard to the allocation of prebends.

The cathedral chapter played an ambiguous role in the Munster collegiate feud over the occupation of the bishopric between 1450 and 1457. The city of Münster rejected Walram von Moers and they played a key role in Johann von Hoya getting the office of monastery administrator. Some canons had previously been persuaded by Archbishop Dietrich von Moers with considerable sums of money to elect his brother. In the case of the election act that took place in Dülmen , not everything went correctly. 13 canons and other clergymen also joined the protest of the city. The Pope made matters even more complicated when he declared that he had made use of his right of reservation immediately after the death of the last bishop. Whether this was legal was a matter of dispute after the council canceled all papal reservations. Faced with this legal situation, the cathedral chapter decided to ask the Pope for confirmation from Erich von Hoya , a brother of Johann von Hoya. It was unsuccessful and the majority again supported Walram von Moers. The other part stuck to the critical stance. After the outbreak of war, Walram von Moers banned numerous clergymen, including many cathedral vicars. The consequences of the fighting themselves had serious economic disadvantages for the cathedral chapter. Walram's death in 1456 seemed to put an end to the conflict. The two canons who remained on the side of Erich von Hoya invited the remaining members of the chapter to vote. When none of them appeared, they postulated Erich von Hoya as bishop. They were supported by the city of Münster and other cities. The other members of the cathedral chapter, on the other hand, postulated Konrad von Diepholz . The Pope Calixt III. ended the dispute by not recognizing either of the two candidates, but appointed Johann von Pfalz-Simmern in 1457 .

In the following decades the religious reform movement of the Devotio moderna did not make itself felt in the chapter. Humanism began to gain some influence . Mention should be made of Rudolf Langen and his reform of the cathedral school.

Early modern age

At the time of the Anabaptists , the clergy had to flee the city in 1532. Chapter and knighthood offered negotiations in Telgte , but the Anabaptists took the opportunity to attack and capture some of the canons. The cathedral experienced an iconoclasm in 1534 and the cathedral chapter house was also devastated. Anabaptist families lived in the cathedral curia and King Jan van Leiden lived in a house . After the end of the Anabaptist rule, the cathedral, chapels and other buildings had to be restored. After the evangelical creed, which had been introduced before the Anabaptist rule, was initially supposed to apply in the city of Munster, Catholicism was practically restored in the city in 1535. The property of the cathedral chapter was restored. Also made possible by numerous donations, the cathedral was rededicated in 1537. The attempt by Bishop Franz von Waldeck a few years later to introduce the Reformation in the entire Monastery of Münster failed due to the resistance of the canons, who threatened the bishop with his removal. In the cathedral chapter itself, however, the number of Protestants also increased in the variety of Calvinism . The Augsburg Interim of 1548, which allowed the Lord's Supper in both forms and the marriage of priests, meant that numerous canons no longer hid their concubines. The following bishops did not really advance Protestantism in the cathedral chapter either.

Gottfried von Raesfeld was one of the most important cathedral deans after the Reformation (painting by Hermann tom Ring from 1566)

In the succession of Bishop Johann von Hoya , a Catholic and a Protestant party faced each other in the cathedral chapter in 1575. Ernst von Bayern ran for election on the Catholic side and Heinrich von Sachsen-Lauenburg on the Protestant side . Twelve of the canons were considered to be representatives of the Catholic and 16 of the Protestant side. The older canons and dignitaries were mostly on the Catholic side, the younger on the Protestant side. Since the elders claimed a more significant vote, the choice proved difficult. A first ballot, like a second one in 1577, did not lead to any result. The Pope appointed Johann Wilhelm von Kleve as administrator, thereby disregarding the emperor's rights. There was to be a third ballot in 1580. On election day, the Protestant candidate occupied Münster with the help of Dutch troops and the election could not take place again. The government took over a governorship, which included members from the knighthood and canons. The success of Ernst von Bayern, who was now elector of Cologne , against his renegade predecessor Gebhard von Waldburg changed the situation. Ernst von Bayern now had an overpowering position, while the Protestants were at odds among themselves. So it finally came about in 1585 that Ernst von Bayern also postulated Bishop of Munster.

Concerned that the Netherlands would intervene, he left the government to the governorship. The conflicts between the Catholic and Protestant camps continued. The cathedral deans could not or did not want to intervene against grievances such as concubinates of some canons. Reminders about regular church services and a decent life were also ineffective. Many canons often considered benefices, the neglect of the residence obligation and cohabitation as a customary right due to them. The prebenders became a means of family policy for the nobility. The cathedral chapter was unanimous in this regard and fought off attempts at reform, such as those initiated by the vicars general. The chapter had already given itself a new statute in 1569, which tried to do away with some grievances without changing anything fundamentally.

The Catholic Reform and Counter-Reformation were supported less by the cathedral chapter than by the Jesuits . The cathedral school was entrusted to them by Bishop Ernst. Initially there were still opponents of the Jesuits in the cathedral chapter, but in the long run the new order prevailed. Younger canons, some of whom had been brought up by Jesuits or had studied at the Collegium Germanicum , also introduced approaches to the Tridentine reform to the cathedral chapter. Visitations by a commission also contributed to a. the episcopal official Everwin Droste belonged. The concubinates disappeared in the 17th century. In total, it took about a hundred years for the norms of the Council of Trent to prevail. Nevertheless, the cathedral chapter had no part in the spiritual life. Under Christoph Bernhard von Galen, the church organization was improved and the influence of the Protestants pushed back. The canons' distrust of the reforms was there from the start. One of the changes in the course of the Catholic reform was that the canons had to prove that they had studied. However, their performance often left much to be desired. Only a few achieved degrees. Hardly half of the canons were ordained priests. There were also accumulations of benefices and the canons often circumvented the residence obligation. How much membership in the cathedral chapter was coveted among the nobility for these reasons is shown by the hereditary dispute over access requirements, which was fought for almost 200 years across all ecclesiastical and secular authorities.

Bernhard von Mallinckrodt was cathedral dean and excommunicated.

Under Christoph Bernhard von Galen , the chapter had to accept some restrictions of its rights at times. He also tried to have a stronger influence on the composition of the canons. There were multiple conflicts between the two sides. This applies in particular to the election of a coadjutor in 1667. The majority of the chapter and also the bishop leaned towards the bishop of Paderborn Ferdinand von Fürstenberg . A minority around the cathedral dean Jobst Edmund von Brabeck spoke out in favor of the Cologne elector Maximilian Heinrich von Bayern . When Brabeck succeeded in getting various other canons on his side, the bishop responded by suspending some members of the cathedral chapter. Both groups postulated their candidate for coadjutor and turned to the Pope. This spoke out in favor of von Fürstenberg, but also ordered the suspensions to be withdrawn. The bishop submitted, but now proceeded against von Brabeck, whom he accused of high treason. He is said to have planned attacks on Münster and Warendorf together with Dietrich von Landsberg in order to take the bishop prisoner. Brabeck was relieved of his office because he had allegedly not fulfilled his residence obligation. Overall, the bishop succeeded in politically restricting the rights of the estates and thus also of the cathedral chapter. So the tax approval right of the booths was canceled. The declarations of war on the Netherlands also took place without taking the cathedral chapter into account. But it did not offer any real resistance.

Franz von Fürstenberg was canon and one of the most important statesmen of the bishopric of Münster

The situation changed significantly under Ferdinand von Fürstenberg. He accepted the election surrender presented to him by the cathedral chapter unchanged. The real power in the Hochstift thus lay with the estates and thus especially with the cathedral chapter. The election surrender of 1678 was presented in a similar form when the following bishops took office and thus formed a kind of basic law until the end of the principality. In the 18th century the position of the cathedral chapter was largely consolidated. The formation of parties within the chapter is remarkable. These were grouped around some large families of the north-west German collegiate nobility, particularly those of Plettenberg , Wolff-Metternich and von Fürstenberg . For a large part of this time there was a personal union of the bishops of Munster Cologne. The absence of the sovereign enabled the cathedral chapter or some of its members to gain greater political influence. This was also facilitated by the fact that they also held top positions in the judiciary and secular administration. The most important politician from the ranks of the cathedral chapter was Franz von Fürstenberg .

secularization

After the Peace of Lunéville , the danger of secularization of the bishopric in favor of Prussia became an acute danger. Understandably, the cathedral chapter was not interested in this. After the death of Maximilian Franz of Austria , it quickly elected Anton Viktor of Austria as its successor. Prussia stated that it would view the election as invalid. There was no support from Vienna and the new bishop did not take office. With the Prussian occupation in 1802 the history of the bishopric of Münster ended. Immediately afterwards, the new Prussian government ordered the property of the cathedral monastery to be taken up. In its previous form it was dissolved in 1806. After the temporary end of Prussian rule and the occupation by the Napoleonic Kingdom of Holland , it resumed its old position before it was dissolved in 1811 after it became part of the French Empire and the assets were confiscated. Napoleon set up a new cathedral chapter in 1812. Only priests were accepted into this. There were no more dignitaries and the class demarcation no longer existed either. A complete reorganization followed in 1825.

Inner constitution

Portrait of Engelbert Anton von Wrede from 1791 in secular clothing. Only the canon cross indicates his status

Statutes

The life of the chapter was regulated by written statutes and customs. These were later also set down in writing. Although the bishop theoretically had the right to give statutes to the chapter, they did not make use of them. However, he usually gave his approval for serious changes. Every bishop had to swear the basic articles upon taking office. The same was true for the new canons. The content was almost entirely oriented towards worldly aspects. The main concern of the statutes was to secure chapter ownership. The statutes were reformed on various occasions. In 1577 an attempt was made to give more recognition to the residence obligation and the spiritual obligations. So-called unions were formed to protect property and rights against external threats. The oldest dates from 1300. Another important union was concluded in 1641 at the instigation of the cathedral dean Bernhard von Mallinckrodt . It forbade the canons to conclude alliances with outsiders and urged them to act together.

Number of members

At first, according to old tradition, there were probably twelve members of the cathedral monastery and later the chapter. As early as 1085 there were 15 or 16 canons. Even if the exact number has not been handed down in the following centuries, it can be stated that the numbers had risen sharply to at least 21 people by 1155. Around 1212 there were about 33 canons who appear in the sources. The number of prebends should have been 36. This number seems to have been fixed a little later by the Pope. Some time later two prebends were rededicated in four vicar positions. After 1242 the number of canons decreased. In 1286 only 18 canons can be identified. After that, their number increased again slightly. After the statutes of 1313 were passed, the numbers were again between 30 and 40 canons. At times the numbers fell again as a result of the plague, but in the long run there were forty prebends. It was increased in the 17th century through the donation of a prebende by the von Galen family . An additional prebend that existed in the 15th century was not permanent.

Dignitary and offices

Initially, the provost was the highest office in the cathedral chapter in Münster. This represented the community externally and administered the properties related to the prebenders. Until 1265, their interventions in the assets intended for the prebends meant that there was a risk that the income would no longer be sufficient. The reason was the poor financial resources of the Dompropstei. It was not until the 12th century that its own provost was created. In order to improve the financial situation, the prosperous parish Telgte was incorporated into her in 1249. All of this did not help, and so Chapter 1265 issued a statute in order to receive the goods necessary for the financing of the prebends. A waiter from the ranks of the canons took over the management of the property on behalf of the provost. In 1340 an annual accounting was decided, so that the chapter could better control the financial conduct of the provost ever since. However, the chapter could not completely prevent unauthorized encroachments on assets by the provosts. The Provost Everhard von Vechtorp was even deposed and his followers excommunicated. Even Otto von Bentheim has undertaken to repay his personal debt assets interventions. In 1370 the chapter tightened the provisions concerning the provost of the cathedral. Overall, the Dompropstei lost its former importance as a result. The first provosts came from the noble nobility. Later on, members of the aristocracy could also hold this post. Formally, the provosts remained the first dignitary. On various occasions, particularly in the 17th century, the popes ultimately tried in vain to restrict the cathedral chapter's right to vote for this office.

Since the provosts were disempowered in the 14th century, the dean of the cathedral was at the forefront. The office probably existed as early as the 9th century. The owner had to monitor compliance with the internal constitution and the order of worship. The dean was therefore always ordained a priest. He had the right to convene meetings of the cathedral chapter. If he refused to confirm a legal act, it remained ineffective. He too had to take an oath when he took over the office. He was obliged to be in permanent residence, but this was not always kept. Because of his great duties, the cathedral dean was entitled to a double prebend. He was freely chosen by the chapter and had to be confirmed by the bishop. Julius II reaffirmed the right to vote in Chapter 1504. The curia of the cathedral dean was originally located in the east of the cathedral square. Friedrich Christian von Plettenberg had a new curia built in 1687/88 during his time as cathedral dean, which is now the episcopal residence.

Other dignitaries were the cathedral scholasters , the cathedral sexton and the vice-dominus . In addition, there were other offices such as the cathedral cantor , the cathedral waiter and the cathedral burner . The position of Domsenior was not a dignity or office.

Staffing

The filling of completed canon positions was initially carried out by the chapter itself. After a certain cycle, one of the canons had the right to propose for about a week. The order resulted from the entry age. The cathedral dean was entitled to a double rotation. The chapter decided whether a proposed candidate was accepted. The dignitary had a higher voting weight. In addition to this type of self-completion, the popes had the right to commission . A first case detected was 1281/85 at the time of Martin V. instead. Since the Vienna Concordat of 1448, the pope's right of appointment has been limited to uneven months. The commissions were particularly numerous in the 14th century. After the Concordat, the number decreased. For the period between 1400 and 1588, the number of commissions from a total of 260 canons is estimated at 70–80. Often the chapter filled the position again immediately after a vacancy. Not infrequently, papal commissions that have already been paid are not taken into account. Bishop Ferdinand of Bavaria had received the right from the Pope to fill the positions during the papal months. The same applies to Clemens August of Bavaria , Maximilian Friedrich von Königsegg-Rothenfels and Maximilian Franz of Austria. Christoph Bernhard von Galen applied in vain for a similar right.

In principle, the kings had the right to award jobs when they took office ( preces primariae ). First Henry VII used this in 1309 in favor of Ludwig von Hessen. Several cases can be identified at the time of Maximilian I and Charles V. The requests were only successful in the case of Heinrich Vogt von Elspe. The lack of prerequisites for those proposed by the king usually led to the rejection of the requests. The family made the appointment of the prebende, donated by the von Galen family.

Membership ended in death or through resignation. Reasons could be to accept a preschooler at another pen or to want to get married. The resignations always took place in months in which the Pope had no commission rights. In principle, the sale of jobs was prohibited, but it did happen. Resignation in favor of close relatives was also prohibited. However, this canonical regulation was hardly observed. In addition to death and resignation, an exclusion could also take place. But this only happened very rarely.

Conditions for registration

Basically, an age of 20 years was intended for admission to the cathedral chapter. There were, however, some considerable deviations from this. Ferdinand Wilhelm von Bayern joined the company at the age of five. Basically, marital birth and physical integrity were a prerequisite. If necessary, however, a papal dispensation helped . Originally only priests and deacons were members of a cathedral chapter. Since Innocent III. Sub-deacons could also become members. The decision of the Council of Trent that at least half of the canons should be priests was never achieved in Münster. Only the first tonsure was necessary to join the Chapter. The emancipation , that membership with all rights suspended the consecration ahead for sub-deacon. Only then did you have the chance to hold offices and additional income opportunities. In addition to the consecration, proof of a degree was necessary for emancipation. This initially happened at the cathedral school . With the emergence of universities, initially in France and Italy, studies were to take place there for one and then two years. Even after the emergence of universities in Germany, studying trans alpes remained an obligation. Since 1584 it was also possible to study at the Collegium Germanicum in Rome. When a university was established in Münster itself in 1773 , studying there was sufficient.

Class origin

Originally there were probably no fixed class limits for membership. The only requirement was personal freedom. This changed with the increase in the number of originally unfree ministerials . In the long run it was not possible to refuse access to members of the knighthood, especially since the number of noble free and peasant free people continued to decline. As a result, the knightly nobility dominated the cathedral chapter until secularization. For the first time the chivalric descent was established in a statute of 1392. Exceptions should be academically trained theologians. This restriction was no longer contained in the papal and imperial confirmation of the statutes. This statute was subsequently renewed again and again. Evidence of nobility came from the practice of revolt . A sufficiently large number of knightly ancestors had to be proven.

It was controversial to what extent a baron title conferred by the emperor would enable the opportunity to enter the chapter. Ultimately, however, this was recognized. In 1557, the hereditary man's trial began a conflict that had lasted for decades, about whether the patricians of the city of Münster - the hereditary men - were to be equated with the knightly nobility. This would have kept the way to the cathedral chapter open for the hereditary men. The question of whether the patricians (hereditary men) of the city of Munster were eligible as a donor or not was a long and difficult question. In the first centuries this was still possible. But not since the statute of 1392. Although hereditary families like the Bischopinck or the Droste zu Hülshoff were knightly, there was a so-called hereditary dispute since the 16th century. The hereditary men achieved success through a judgment of the Reich Chamber of Commerce in 1685. The cathedral chapter and knighthood appealed. Only at the urging of Charles VI. the cathedral chapter gave in in 1714. In this way, members of the Kerckerinck zur Borg or the Droste zu Hülshoff families (again) came to canon positions.

As far as their geographical origin was concerned, about half of the canons came from the Münster monastery. The second largest proportion was made up of families from the Electoral Cologne Duchy of Westphalia . All other territories had significantly lower proportions. It was not unusual for a canon to have prebends in several cathedral monasteries. In the last two centuries of its existence, canons in Münster also held positions in Hildesheim , Paderborn and Osnabrück . Minden , Speyer , Liège , Cologne and a few other places followed at a distance . Of the 339 canons in Münster, 221 also held at least a second other position.

Country estate and secular rulership

With the division of church property between the bishop and the cathedral chapter in the High Middle Ages, the latter also gained secular influence. Another factor was that the cathedral chapter was closely associated with the higher nobility and especially with the local knighthood. This increased the influence of the chapter on the state parliaments and secured it priority over the other estates, i.e. the knighthood and the estates. Important rights were enshrined in the election surrenders that had been common since the 14th century. The exact balance of power between the bishop and the cathedral chapter depended in particular on the respective personalities. It is undisputed that the chapter fell to sovereignty during the vacancy . The episcopal income also flowed into the chapter's coffers during this time. At the Council of Trent it was determined that eight days after the death of the bishop or the episcopal office terminated for other reasons, a capitular vicar would take over the administration. In addition, the chapter appointed a representative to manage the episcopal possessions. Even during his episcopate, the prince-bishop was obliged to obtain the approval of the cathedral chapter before making important property decisions. The rights to vacancies were strengthened at the time of Maximilian II . In 1568 the cathedral chapter was given the right to use all regalia, courts and rights of the bishop for one year.

The cathedral chapter assumed the first status at the state parliaments of the bishopric of Münster. It presided over the negotiations. The prince-bishop presented the state parliament proposal to the cathedral chapter and announced the date of the meeting. Then, together with the city of Münster, the chapter prepared the letters of invitation to the knights and cities eligible for the state assembly. During the negotiations, the chapter was the first to speak. During the negotiations, the chapter was entitled to diets. The parliamentary commissions were always headed by two canons. A canon also presided over deputations.

The cathedral chapter claimed rights of participation in the prince-bishop's legislation, both in the ecclesiastical and secular areas. Representatives of the cathedral chapter were to be involved in all foreign policy treaties and other agreements. The archives of the cathedral chapter should also receive a copy of the respective contract. In practice, the prince-bishops often violated the rights of the cathedral chapter in this regard.

When electing abbots, the cathedral chapter had, among other things, the right to an election test. In addition to the vicar general , a canon presided over the diocesan synods and the resolutions had to be approved by the chapter. Incidentally, in later times the vicar general came mostly from the chapter.

In the area of ​​state administration, the most important councilors originally came from the cathedral chapter. If the bishop was absent, he was usually represented by one of the canons. In times of crisis and phases with profound conflicts between the estates and the bishop, the cathedral chapter forced the sovereigns to accept a board of trustees. Sometimes such a council was set up when there were vacancies. In addition to the representatives of the other estates, it also included members of the cathedral chapter and chaired by the cathedral provost.

In the judiciary, the cathedral chapter was influential in around twelve parishes due to its ownership. Various Gogerichte like that of Bakenfeld or Senden, Telgte and Meest. These always included several parishes. The chapter was also involved in numerous trademark courts. On the basis of the manorial rule, the court in Lüdinghausen was also part of the cathedral chapter. In addition, there was jurisdiction in the immunity district on the cathedral courtyard. The chapter appointed secular officials such as counts or bailiffs to administer the Gogerichte and the court in Lüdinghausen. In part, the chapter also had police jurisdiction.

Against the background of the power of the chapter, the prince-bishops endeavored to limit its influence and looked for allies. In particular, they turned to knighthood. The prince-bishop's councils increasingly came from the knighthood. Conversely, the cathedral chapter allied itself with the city of Münster since 1275.

After Johann von Hoya introduced state authorities (called state dicasteries based on the model of the curia), the cathedral chapter claimed the government ( Privy Council ), the court chamber , the ecclesiastical court ( officialate ) and the court court to fill the presidential positions . Initially, the sovereigns also filled these posts with non-members of the cathedral chapter. In the long run, the canons usually prevailed.

Until 1790, small copper coins were minted for the cathedral chapter of Münster, most of which had a knee or bust of St. Paul on the front. The last 1 and 2 pfenning coins were marked MÜNSTER / DOM / CAPITUL.

2 Pfenninge, cathedral chapter Münster, year 1790, front side

Today's cathedral chapter

Today's cathedral chapter is responsible for the administration of St. Paul's Cathedral and the services. It advises the bishop and elects a successor. Chapter meetings are held at least four times a year. A total of ten cathedral capitals residing in Münster and a further six non-resident cathedral capitals belong to the chapter. The members are appointed by the bishop after consulting the chapter. The auxiliary bishops also belong to the body . At the head of the dignitary is the provost of the cathedral. Another office is the cathedral dean. In addition to the full members, canons of honor can be appointed. Cathedral vicars are responsible for worship and pastoral duties in the cathedral.

See also

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 118-127.
  2. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 128-140, 174.
  3. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 140-142.
  4. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 143-145.
  5. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 145-146.
  6. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 146-148, 176-177.
  7. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 149-152.
  8. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 152-157.
  9. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 158-160.
  10. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 160-161.
  11. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 162-165.
  12. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 165-169.
  13. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 169-170.
  14. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 170-172.
  15. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 224-229.
  16. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 229-232.
  17. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 233-238.
  18. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 238-240.
  19. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 240-245.
  20. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 245-253.
  21. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 253-256.
  22. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 257-259.
  23. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 259-261.
  24. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, p. 266.
  25. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 261-264.
  26. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, p. 162.
  27. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 281-283.
  28. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, p. 283.
  29. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, p. 284.
  30. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 194-196.
  31. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 198-200.
  32. ^ Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987, pp. 196-197.
  33. ^ Gerhard Schön, German coin catalog, 18th century, Münster Cathedral Chapter, No. 1–17.
  34. ↑ Cathedral and Chapter. The main church of the diocese of Münster. In: bistum-muenster.de. Retrieved September 18, 2019 .

literature

  • Wilhelm Kohl : The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1987 (Germania sacra NF 17.1).
  • Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1982 (Germania sacra NF 17.2).
  • Wilhelm Kohl: The cathedral monastery of St. Paul in Münster. Berlin 1989 (Germanis sacra NF 17.3).
  • Friedrich Keinemann : The cathedral chapter of Münster in the 18th century. Constitution, personal composition, party relations. Münster, 1967. Digitized

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