Simoni
Simoni refers to the act of buying or selling ecclesiastical privileges, such as church offices or sacraments. This practice is named after Simon Magus, a figure in the New Testament who attempted to purchase spiritual power from the apostles. Simoni is considered a serious offense in many religious traditions, particularly within Christianity, as it undermines the integrity of spiritual leadership and the sanctity of religious practices.
Historically, simoni was prevalent during the Middle Ages, leading to significant reforms within the Catholic Church. The Gregorian Reforms, initiated by Pope Gregory VII in the 11th century, aimed to eliminate simoni and restore moral integrity to the clergy. These efforts were part of a broader movement to address corruption and ensure that church positions were filled based on merit rather than financial transactions.