Exemt, aber nicht autark – Zum Verhältnis der südfranzösischen Johanniter und Templer zu den kirchlichen Strukturen des Midi

Abstract

Exempt, but not autarkical – On the relationship between the Hospitallers of St. John and the Templars to the ecclesiastical structures in the Midi The contribution explores the complex relationship between the Hospitallers of St. John respectively the Templars and the clergy in Southern France by means of two case studies: the possession of chapels and churches by these military orders and their exemption. Initially, promotion of the episcopacy and cooperation between both sides were the predominant characteristics. Without the support of the bishops, the spread of the military orders in the Midi would not have been possible. After this period, the relationship deteriorated significantly. This change was especially disadvantageous for the military orders. In spite of the far reaching protection granted by the exemption from episcopal interference, both orders remained dependent on the regional clergy. This particularly became obvious in the fields of the protection and the enforcement of the orders’ rights and interests. Important provisions of the canon law reinforced in several ways the dependency on the episcopal jurisdiction.