Overview

Simony denotes the purchase or sale of an office, appointment, sacrament or other spiritual benefit within the church hierarchy. The term is used primarily in Christian contexts — especially in discussions of Christian institutions — and is treated as an ethical and legal violation under many systems of canon law.

Origin and scriptural background

The name derives from the New Testament episode of Simon Magus in the Acts of the Apostles, who offered payment to the apostles and tried to buy the ability claimed by the disciples of Jesus. That story specifically involves his attempt to purchase power from Peter and John to bestow the Holy Spirit. Over time the term broadened to cover various kinds of trafficking in "spiritual things" for material gain.

Forms, examples and historical development

In practice simony has taken many shapes: the outright sale of benefices and bishoprics, payment for ordination or installation, the commercialization of relics or indulgences, and transactional patronage for liturgical or sacramental services. It became particularly visible in medieval Europe and prompted reform movements that sought to separate secular influence and money from ecclesiastical appointments, most notably within the Catholic Church during the Gregorian reforms.

  • Sale of clerical offices or benefices.
  • Fees demanded for ordination or confirmation beyond legitimate administrative costs.
  • Exchange of money or gifts explicitly tied to appointment or sacramental advantage.

Not all payments connected with religious life count as simony. Charitable donations, legitimate stipends, or lawful fees for services are distinguished from corrupt transactions by intent, disclosure, and canonical standards.

Modern churches handle alleged simony through internal discipline, civil law when applicable, and preventive measures such as transparent appointment procedures, conflict-of-interest rules, and oversight of patronage. Because the practice touches doctrine, governance and public trust, it remains a notable issue in histories of reform and in contemporary debates about church accountability.