Simony

Lanfranc sought to make religious service, rather than personal advantage, the priority of Church officeholders. His reforms targeted simony, the buying and selling of Church positions, and nepotism, favouring relatives when awarding positions. Both practices could put wealth or family connections ahead of suitability for religious responsibilities.

Reform targeted simony and pluralism, practices criticised for putting wealth and personal advancement ahead of religious responsibilities. Rules on clerical marriage were tightened, although existing marriages were not all ended immediately. Reform should therefore be understood as a programme of change, not proof that every criticised practice disappeared at once.