The Canons of York

The Canons of York were a set of church rules established in 1195 to promote moral discipline among clergy and prevent misconduct. They aimed to uphold high standards of behavior, emphasizing chastity, honesty, humility, and proper conduct in worship and daily life. These canons sought to create moral accountability within the church community and improve its moral authority, ensuring clergy acted ethically and set a good example for the faithful. Essentially, they served as a moral code to maintain the integrity and spiritual reputation of the church.