Simony is the buying and selling of church offices. This was one of the most controversial issues in the medieval church. Taking money for gifts given by the Holy Spirit was seen as a grave sin. ... He wished to obtain this power so that anyone whom he laid hands upon would also receive the Holy Spirit.

How did the practice of simony affect the church?

How did the practice of simony affect the church? Simony resulted in a clergy who sometimes obtained church positions for political or economic reasons with little concern for their religious obligations. ... The papacy promised release from time in purgatory for Christians who joined in religious wars.

Where was simony used?

Although considered a serious offense against canon law, simony became widespread in the Catholic Church during the 9th and 10th centuries. In canon law, the word bears a more extended meaning than in English law.