According to church authority, what is one right the church possesses?

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Prepare for the Chapell and Meeks Licensure and Ordination Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations for better understanding. Achieve readiness for your ordination journey.

The church possesses the right to retain and remit sins, which is closely associated with its authority regarding forgiveness and the administration of sacraments. This concept is rooted in biblical passages such as John 20:22-23, where Jesus gives His followers the power to forgive sins. This authority implies that the church plays a crucial role in the spiritual life of its members by declaring what is forgiven or retained, thereby influencing their relationship with God.

The other options do not align with traditional understandings of church authority. Changing Scripture is generally regarded as inappropriate, as Scripture is viewed as divinely inspired and must be preserved. Judging secular matters can sometimes fall within the church's purview, but it must be approached with caution, as the church's authority primarily pertains to spiritual matters. Disregarding moral law contradicts the church's fundamental role in upholding and teaching moral principles consistent with its beliefs. Therefore, the right to retain and remit sins is a distinctive and significant aspect of the church’s authority.

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