DEMOCRACY IN BENEDICTINE MONASTERIES?
A Benedictine monastery is not a democracy in the modern political sense, but rather a spiritual community—albeit one that incorporates democratic rules regarding participation. While the abbot holds final decision-making authority, his power is constrained by the Rule of St. Benedict, the involvement of the community, and the fact that he is elected by the monks.
The most significant democratic element within the monastery is the election of the abbot, as prescribed by the Rule: following the death or resignation of the incumbent, the community elects a successor. The deciding factors are not age or rank, but character and spiritual qualities.
Far more significant in the daily life of a monastic community - because it applies universally - is the principle of calling the brothers to counsel. Chapter 3 of the Rule of St. Benedict contains a strikingly modern concept: when important matters arise, the abbot summons the entire community, explains the issue, and - before making a decision - listens to all opinions, regardless of age or rank. Benedict’s reasoning is noteworthy: "The Lord often reveals what is better to a younger person.”
Not every decision affects everyone. According to Benedict, consultation with the elders suffices for less important matters. Nowadays, the so-called Seniorat (Council of Seniors) comprises not only elders but also several freely elected confreres; at St. Ottilien, there are eight. Elections take place every three years. The key office-holders - apart from the Abbot - serve as additional regular members of the Council: the Prior (the Abbot’s deputy) and the Cellerar (the monastery’s business manager).
The Prior and Cellerar, along with other office-holders known as officiales (such as the Novice Master), are appointed by the Abbot; however, even in these cases, he is expected to seek the advice of the entire community beforehand. In the case of the Prior, this involves a consultative vote - the results of which are disclosed only to the Abbot - to ensure he can make a free decision, given that his deputy must be someone with whom he can work effectively.
Today, statutes or constitutions govern the details of decision-making processes within the monastery. For the worldwide Congregation of the Missionary Benedictines of St. Ottilien, this takes the form of Proper Law, enacted by the Vatican's Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life. Additionally, consuetudines (literally "customs") regulate the specific procedures followed within each individual abbey.
Depending on the significance of the issues at hand, a decision may be made solely by the abbot or solely by the officialis. For more important matters, the abbot requires the consent of the council of seniors; for questions affecting the entire community, he needs the vote of the Chapter, which comprises all monks who have permanently committed themselves to the monastery. Regarding acquisitions or investments, for instance, every monastery has established financial thresholds beyond which the next higher authority must be consulted.
Along with the election of the abbot, the admission of new members is one of the most consequential decisions for a community; consequently, it is always contingent upon the majority approval of the Chapter.
Despite these forms of participation, monastic democracy is limited: the final decision generally rests with the abbot, who holds at least a right of veto in all cases. Nevertheless, considering the era in which the Rule of Saint Benedict originated - Late Roman antiquity - these democratic elements are remarkable.
