Legal Definitions - pecuniary cause

A pecuniary cause refers to a legal dispute that involves financial matters or money and is heard in an ecclesiastical court (a court associated with a church or religious body). Historically, and in some jurisdictions where they still operate, these courts resolve financial disagreements or recover funds owed in connection with church affairs or religious obligations.

Here are some examples illustrating a pecuniary cause:

• Dispute Over a Pledged Donation: A wealthy member of a congregation publicly pledged a significant sum to fund the renovation of the church's community hall. After the renovation project began, the member unexpectedly withdrew their promise and refused to pay the committed amount. The church leadership could initiate a pecuniary cause in an ecclesiastical court to compel the member to fulfill their financial commitment for the church project.

  Explanation: This illustrates a pecuniary cause because it involves a financial obligation (the pledged donation) directly related to the church's operations and property, which would be brought before a church court for resolution.

• Unpaid Fees for Religious Services: A family commissioned a specific religious ceremony, such as a special memorial service or a blessing, from a minister or religious official. They agreed upon a set fee for the service but subsequently failed to pay the agreed-upon amount after the service was rendered. The minister or religious body could pursue a pecuniary cause to recover the unpaid fees.

  Explanation: This scenario is a pecuniary cause because it concerns the recovery of money (the agreed-upon fee) for religious services provided, making it a financial dispute that an ecclesiastical court might address.

• Bequest to a Religious Order: A deceased individual's will stipulated a substantial financial bequest to a specific religious order for their charitable work. However, the executor of the will is delaying or refusing to release these funds to the religious order, citing administrative difficulties that the order believes are unfounded. The religious order could bring a pecuniary cause to the ecclesiastical court to ensure the timely transfer of the bequeathed funds.

  Explanation: This constitutes a pecuniary cause as it involves a financial dispute over the distribution of money (the bequest) legally designated for a religious institution, which could be adjudicated in an ecclesiastical court.