Null and Void Jun 13, 2008
When a marriage has been legally dissolved, a petition for annulment may be brought before a ; this consists of three priest judges who have studied canon law. The facts are brought before them, they are studied and discussed; two of the priests must affirm the annulment for the marriage to be considered invalid. (Suite101.com)
Church columnists: June 11 Jun 12, 2008
Priests established the world's first legal system in the Code of Canon Law, which is still in use today. We owe the college and university system of education to the work of faithful priests. (Catoosa County News, GA)
Retired monsignor from Normal church named in sexual abuse lawsuit Jun 12, 2008
" To tatbtime, the reason priests cannot marry is born out of tradition that later became Canon Law (Catholic doctrine). The theory is if they are not married they can be fully dedicated to the church rather than to a wife and family. The thought is one cannot be fully dedicated to a family and the church.Allowing priests to marry will not solve the problem as these men could still be priests. Other churches, school teachers, etc., have also been in the news recently regarding child molestation... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
LDS Genealogy Work Progresses Despite Catholic Church Edict Jun 12, 2008
"It was clarification of canon law to safeguard private records," she said. The LDS Church wasn't too concerned about the recent order from the Vatican. (The Daily Universe, UT)
Vatican tribunal hands loss to 8 local groups on closings Jun 11, 2008
They acknowledged that the appeal for reconsideration has little chance of success, but said they would continue to pursue any recourse afforded them under the church's canon law, including trying to block Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley from designating the parish buildings suitable for "profane use," which is how the church describes secular uses of church buildings ... Verrengia was the first advocate of a closed parish to receive a copy of a negative ruling, but the Rome-based canon lawyer... (Boston Globe)
'Clarion of truth' Jun 11, 2008
That Cardinal Roger Mahony and nine other bishops would invoke canon law forbidding his voice to be heard is sad ... The Catholic church in particular remains ripe for total rehabilitation; that it fears congregational loss, and has previously lamented over settlements and changes it has been made to pay and make, should not be reasons to invoke canon law. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Diocese of Scranton lays off union head Jun 10, 2008
As far as I can see, it seems that the Diocese of Scranton is being run like a large company focused on profits and loss which seems to betray the duty of the bishop to be a "pastor...who is concerned for the Christian faithful entrusted to his care..." (Canon No. 383 1983 Code of Canon Law) and that it has lost its warmth and compassion that were present under its previous Shepherd, Bishop James C. Timilin. Nick, Scranton, PAAdded: Tuesday June 10, 2008 at 04:54 AM ESTCatholic. (Scranton Times, PA)
Australian defies US church on sex abuse Jun 9, 2008
"I hereby deny you permission to speak in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles," Cardinal Mahony wrote to Bishop Robinson, citing a bishop's authority under canon law that was repeated in separate letters from the bishops of Orange County and San Francisco. They noted an investigation of his book by Australian bishops found "doctrinal difficulties". (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Panel seeks minimum age for nuns Jun 4, 2008
"This is the universal Catholic norm and is based on the canon law. Only a girl who completes her Class XII will be admitted. In the first year they are known as 'aspirants', then they have two years training known as 'postulancy' and then another two years doing 'novitiate'," said Thelekkat. "It is not before the age of 30 that she becomes a full fledged nun. So the question of initiating any minor girl as a nun does not arise," he said. (Sify.com, India)
Pashinski rallying support for labor law amendment May 24, 2008
According to the Catholic Code of Canon Law, Can. 1286, Administrators of goods: in the employment of workers are to observe meticulously also the civil laws concerning labor and social policy, according to the principles handed on by the church. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Pope Addresses Abuse, Priest Recruitment Problems Apr 21, 2008
Vatican officials are considering revisions to Canon Law, making it easier to remove predator priests. Another proposal offered was to implement a better screening process in selecting men for the priesthood. (CBS 2, NY)
Pope tells of youth under Nazis Apr 20, 2008
Page last updated at 01:22 GMT, Sunday, 20 April 2008 02:22 UK. Pope Benedict urged the young people to cherish their freedoms. (BBC News -- Europe)
Cardinal says canon law changes 'possible' to ... Apr 19, 2008
Cardinal says canon law changes 'possible' to better address abuse - FOX23 News ... Cardinal says canon law changes 'possible' to better address abuse ... (Getty Images) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - An American cardinal says it's possible that canon law could be changed to better address the abuse scandal that has badly damaged the Catholic church in the U.S. and other nations. (FOX23.com, OK)
Pope fails to placate abuse victims Apr 16, 2008
First, he wants him to announce this week that he plans to change canon law so that every priest who has assaulted a child anywhere in the world will be removed from ministry. Second, he wants the pope to announce plans to take disciplinary action against any bishop who has been involved in covering up an assault. (International Herald Tribune)
Pope, in U.S., is 'ashamed' of sex abuse scandals Apr 16, 2008
One expert said that the pope might actually be signaling that he was close to authorizing a change in canon law that would explicitly bar sexual abusers from the priesthood, said Nicholas P. Cafardi, dean emeritus of Duquesne Law School. A civil and canon lawyer, Mr. Cafardi was an original member of the National Review Board appointed by the American bishops at the height of the abuse scandal, in 2002 ... There is a section in the church's Code of Canon law that specifies that a man cannot be... (International Herald Tribune)
Pope's visit excites lay people but doesn't erase problems Apr 15, 2008
" Catholic America also looks like the stalwart little Iowa parishes of St. John the Baptist in Mount Vernon and nearby St. Isidore the Farmer in Springville. They share one priest, while administrator Sue Schettler and her all-female staff run the day-to-day ministries, supported by legions of male and female volunteers. Lay ministries abound More than 30,000 lay people are specially trained in ministry, and 80% are women, Garcia says. Almost half of diocesan administrative posts (48%) are... (USA Today)
Archbishop Burke bans canon lawyer from St. Louis archdiocese Apr 13, 2008
ST. LOUIS (AP) A prominent Roman Catholic priest and canon lawyer, who says he has been helping those harmed by the institutional Catholic Church since 1985 and counseling a Polish heritage church here, has been banned from working in the archdiocese. The Rev. Thomas Doyle, a Dominican priest and canon lawyer based in Virginia, also has been ordered by Archbishop Raymond Burke to pay back any payment he received from St. Stanislaus Kostka Church ... Reached Friday by phone, Doyle accused Burke... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Roman Catholic Church sex scandals Apr 13, 2008
"When even a single act of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon is admitted or is established after an appropriate process in accordance with canon law, the offending priest or deacon will be removed permanently from ecclesiastical ministry, not excluding dismissal from the clerical state, if the case so warrants," the bishops said. - September 2003 - Boston Archdiocese agreed to pay up to $85 million to settle lawsuits filed by hundreds of people who say they were sexually abused by... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
The Heartthrob from the Vatican Apr 11, 2008
Like the pontiff, Gnswein is Bavarian by birth and an academic by training, with a doctorate in canon law ... He has also worked as a Professor of Canon Law at Rome's Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, which is run by Opus Dei, though Gnswein is not a member. (Time.com)
Rodi to be new archbishop? Apr 2, 2008
Canon law stipulates that a bishop or archbishop must be a single, Catholic male who is at least 35 years old and has been ordained for at least five years. As to when such a Vatican announcement might come, Farmer said, "It could be at any time.". (AL.com)
In brief: Matters of Faith Mar 30, 2008
CHURCH LAITY: Call to Action Alaska will meet at 7 p.m. April 9 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3900 Wisconsin St. The Rev. Thomas Brundage, Judicial Vicar for the Anchorage Archdiocese, will speak on "Rights and Responsibilities of Laity in the Church According to Canon Law." For details, call 272-0638. IMPROVE HEALTH: St. John United Methodist Church, 1801 O'Malley Road, hosts Living Well Alaska classes at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays to April 9. (Anchorage Daily News)
Episcopal diocese reorganizes in Lodi, might allow gay priests Mar 30, 2008
robroy wrote on Mar 29, 2008 8:12 PM:" The whole business is a sham. Canon law, fair play, justice, integrity all out the window. Bp Howe of central Florida has called violations in the votes to depose Schofield and Cox "despicable. " Bp Lawrence and the standing committee of South Carolina have said they won't recognize the vichy-like Lamb as provisional bishop. ". (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
A House of worship divided Mar 23, 2008
Each side has filed hundreds of pages of legal documents: affidavits from ministers, church wardens, parishioners and diocesan officials, complete with supporting documents drawn from canon law books; 42-year-old letters about parish building funds; and email exchanges. It would be easy to say that God and the teachings of Jesus, whose life is celebrated this Easter weekend as his death is mourned, have been lost in what has become an often bitter dispute over land title. (Toronto Star)
Support grows for Catholic teachers Mar 15, 2008
It states, Neither the civil law nor the Canon Law of the Catholic Church require the recognition of unions in Catholic schools. A union, then, is not required, essential or mandated. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Burke declares 3 Roman Catholic Womenpriests excommunicated Mar 15, 2008
But Monsignor Thomas Green, a professor of canon law at Catholic University, said a bishop is responsible for canonical infractions that occur in his own diocese, regardless of where the person who commits the infraction lives. Tim Townsend is a reporter at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Diocese answers union’s claims Mar 8, 2008
Often mentioned is the 1891 encyclical of Pope Leo XIII entitled Rerum Novarum, but the diocese said it shows no objection to programs such as the employee relations program, and neither civil law nor the canon law require the recognition of unions in Catholic schools. Mr. Milz said on Friday the union has also cited many other church teachings that are recent and support the union. (Scranton Times, PA)
At core of Anglican conflict, a 1900-year-old tradition Mar 2, 2008
"He pushes hard for unity centred around the bishop," Anglican canon law expert Rev. Alan Perry says ... " In both Vancouver and Niagara, where the majority of congregations that have left the national church are located, a handful of parishes that are among the most conservative in the country find themselves headed by very liberal local bishops, he saysIn such a situation, Packer says, the strict geographic definition of Anglicanism doesn't work, and may have outlived its usefulness. While he... (Toronto Star)
Pope appoints new Nuncio to Ghana Mar 2, 2008
He holds a Doctorate Degree in Canon Law. He entered the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See in 1990 and has since served in the embassies of the Holy See in Haiti, Guatemala, Zambia, Brazil, Egypt, and Zimbabwe. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Vatican ruling is bad newsfor opponents of parish closings Feb 27, 2008
But they acknowledged that the ruling, issued in Latin, dismisses their arguments that O'Malley violated canon laws by closing the church, and instead expresses support for O'Malley's argument that he needed to close parishes for the good of the archdiocese ... Opponents of the parish closings say they are particularly angry that a canon law expert representing the archdiocese's interests before the tribunal is quoted in writing as saying that O'Malley had been given "maximum discretion" by the... (Boston Globe)
'End of an era' for Anglicans Feb 23, 2008
"Paula Valentine, a parishioner for 28 years, and a life-long Anglican, said last Sunday's vote by the parish's 100 members was deeply emotional. The mood was sombre, but there was also a sense of excitement that after pondering this move for six years they had actually done it.She said the parish will do whatever it takes to defend the church and support their minister -- even opening their homes to him and his family if they should be kicked out of the rectory and continuing to pay his salary:... (National Post)
Wimberly: This is not a ‘dead church’ Feb 20, 2008
National canon law sets the retirement age. One of the many highlights of the convention was the Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, guest preacher on Friday evening at the Holy Eucharist. (Pasadena Citizen, TX)
Stripped chapel may be reborn as housing Feb 9, 2008
While there was no court to enforce canon law, there was one to answer the more mundane question of property ownership. Two decisions, including one from an appellate court in December, backed the diocese's claim of ownership. (North County Times)
Out of order: The life and very trying times of Sister Elzear Lillian Kral Feb 3, 2008
The car became a makeshift bedroom and a legal library, with part of the auto filled with notes about church canon law and other cases. Almost as soon as she was dismissed, she started filing lawsuits, mostly against her former order and the diocese. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Irish cardinal tries to block publication of abuse files Feb 2, 2008
The unprecedented move to hold up publication has prompted claims of a church cover up by a senior Irish canon law expert ... Leading Irish canon lawyer and priest Tom Doyle has openly accused Connell of a cover up. (Guardian Unlimited -- World)
Classics dilemma Jan 21, 2008
How does the Chargers playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts affect your opinion about the need for a new stadium for the team, in San Diego or Chula Vista. Tell reporter Ron Powell at (619) 293-1258 or. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Leaders work on diocese split Jan 19, 2008
Bonnie Anderson, president of the Episcopal Church's House of Deputies, and the Rev. Canon Robert Moore, an expert in canon law, will be the main speakers at "Moving Forward, Welcoming All" at 9:30 a.m. next Saturday at the Church of the Saviour in Hanford, 519 N. Douty St.Delegates at the annual Diocese of San Joaquin convention in Fresno made a landmark decision Dec. 8 to leave the U.S. Episcopal Church largely because of differences with the national body's approval of same-sex blessings, the... (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Big tab still rises at shut churches Jan 18, 2008
The others are vacant, but the archdiocese has been unable to sell or reuse the properties because they are tied up in civil lawsuits or canon law appeals ... The annual tab for maintaining closed parishes, $880,000, includes not only the vigil parishes but also those not occupied but are the subject of civil or canon law challenges ... It is not clear how long the civil appeals - playing out in the Massachusetts courts - or the canon law challenges being heard by a Vatican tribunal will take. (Boston Globe)
"Case closed?" Jan 17, 2008
Try the other three panels: Can you find the specters of Canon Law, Civil Law, Contract Law, Admiralty (that's the legal system on the seas). Or even simpler: Crime and Punishment themselves. (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Church Columnists: Jan. 16, 2008 Jan 16, 2008
One set of laws, the Code of Canon Law, governs the entire Church. One set of rites, the seven Sacraments, are celebrated in the same way, worldwide. (Catoosa County News, GA)
News & Pictures: Fr Elias Frank and Fr Chetan Lobo - Rome Jan 14, 2008
Valerian Sequeira, who recently completed doctoral studies in Canon Law, was also felicitated. Hilary Crasta, Fr. (Daijiworld.com)
REPORT: Pope orders exorcism squads; tackle rise of Satanism... Dec 30, 2007
" The Vatican is particularly concerned that young people are being exposed to the influence of Satanic sects through rock music and the Internet. In theory, under the Catholic Church's Canon Law 1172, all priests can perform exorcisms. But in reality only a select few are assigned the task. Under the law, practitioners must have "piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life. " The rite of exorcism involves a series of gestures and prayers to invoke the power of God and stop the "demon"... (The Drudge Report)
What does a dog collar represent? Dec 11, 2007
Canon law - the rules and regulations of the Christian church - says the apparel of bishops, priests and deacons should be "suitable to office" when on duty to communicate their "spiritual charge". Canon law states that it can be removed if there are "justifiable" reasons and there is no punishment for not wearing one and many evangelical clergy chose not to ... "However, to say there is no requirement in canon law for the collar to be worn is wrong. But in this case the archbishop's protest... (BBC News -- UK)
Diocese will leave Episcopal Church Dec 9, 2007
"The abandonment clause was put in (to canon law) in case a priest turned back to the Catholic faith or decided to leave the Christian faith," he said. "I don't think it was ever envisioned that the abandonment clause would be used the way it has been recently. And I don't know how they can charge (Schofield) with abandonment since he's transferred to the Anglican Communion; he hasn't left the faith.". (Modesto Bee, CA)
Secession sends churches into legal unknown Dec 2, 2007
It was improper for the justices to interpret the canons of the Philadelphia diocese because "any time you interpret the canon law of any church, you have to interpret it theologically," he said. "I don't think the courts of Allegheny County have a whole lot of guidance from [St. James the Less]. It is very muddled jurisprudence.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Anglican leader blasts breakaway groups Dec 1, 2007
A spokeswoman for the conservative group Anglican Essentials Canada, however, says it is the church that's breaking with both tradition and canon law by taking increasingly liberal views of scripture. "They are trying to marginalize us and say we are creating all the problems, rather than acknowledging that they are creating the problems and we are just reacting," Essentials lawyer Cheryl Chang says. (Toronto Star)
'Our' dictator gets away with it Nov 28, 2007
To the horror of secularists, the JI wants Islamic canon law applied in the whole of Pakistan. The JI cannot be easily dismissed. (Asia Times Online)
Brady made 'prince of the church' Nov 25, 2007
He was ordained in February 1964 and after post-graduate studies in canon law in Rome he returned to teach at St Patrick's, Cavan, in 1967. In 1980, he was appointed vice-rector of the Irish College in Rome and became rector in 1987. (BBC News -- UK)
Harold J. Berman, authority on origins of Western law Nov 22, 2007
He argued that the 11th century rise of papal authority with its own canon law jump-started modern law. The journal Constitutional Commentary said in 2005 that the book had become "the standard point of departure for work in the field." The American Political Science Review said, "This may be the most important book on law in our generation.". (Boston Globe)
'Full-blown schism' in church, Anglican bishop says Nov 21, 2007
What its decision meant is still being debated by church canon law experts, but the consensus seems to be that dioceses are not blocked from authorizing the blessings - and three have in the past few weeks: the dioceses of Ottawa, Montreal and Niagara. The bishop of Niagara has given his approval for the blessings to be implemented, but, to date, the bishops of Montreal and Ottawa haven't. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Christians seek right to sue BBC for blasphemy Nov 20, 2007
Blasphemy, originally part of canon law, became a common law offence in the 17th century. Paul Stevens of Olswang, the law firm representing Thoday, said the producer's legal team would argue that allowing a prosecution for blasphemy would contravene article 10 of the European convention on human rights, which guarantees the right to free speech. (Guardian Unlimited)
O'Brien urges priest back to fold Nov 16, 2007
The church's canon law summarizes its teaching about Communion as well as the penalties for violating the rules. O'Brien's action follows protocol, Irwin said. (SunSpot.net)
Burke moves to formally penalize two “Womenpriests” Nov 14, 2007
Interdiction is the withholding of Holy Communion and other church sacraments until they acknowledge what they've done is wrong, said the Rev. Arthur Espelage, executive coordinator for the Canon Law Society of America. On Nov. 5, Burke warned the women, also by letter, that they'd be excommunicated if they proceeded with the ordination. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Vicar of Dibley effect: more women than men ordained Nov 14, 2007
While women can be ordained as priests, canon law bars them from the higher office of bishop and the Church of England is exempt from the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. Christina Rees, who chairs the group, said: "There are still people who don't want women in the church and they're making demands so they don't have to experience women as bishops."There are women who feel frustrated. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
Priest tries to clear name to tribunal Nov 13, 2007
Miami priest tries to clear his name in abuse cases - 11/13/2007 - MiamiHerald (The Miami Herald)
Priest's resigning angers residents Nov 12, 2007
Caine said these acts "gave the appearance of concelebration of the Mass, which is a violation of Canon law and is also a cause for confusion.". The archdiocese received "multiple complaints" about the Mass, Caine said. (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
Oppose gay marriage amendment Nov 9, 2007
JG wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:50 PM:" RE:JG--Catholic mariage is a sacrament performed by a man and a woman. Under canon law, the priest is only the Church's official witness to the marriage. The Church recognizes other marriages, which is why divorced non-Catholics have to have their marriage annulled if they want to marry a Catholic canonically. The form of marriage, i.e., one man, one woman, is what the bishops are defending when they are in favor of an amendment prohibiting "marriage" between... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Funeral prompts firing of priest Nov 9, 2007
Baltimore's new Roman Catholic archbishop removed a priest who was pastor of three South Baltimore parishes for offenses that include officiating at a funeral Mass with an Episcopal priest, which violates canon law ... "I think that canon laws exist to protect the church from extremism. I don't find that this is such an extreme situation," Martin said. (SunSpot.net)
2,000-year-old Christian community in Iraq gains a spiritual first in Baghdad Nov 5, 2007
He obtained three degrees a master's in philosophy, a doctorate in theology and a doctorate in canon law and his studies included the Koran. 1. (International Herald Tribune)
Iraqi cardinal works to protect Christians Nov 3, 2007
He obtained three degrees: a master's in philosophy, a doctorate in theology and a doctorate in canon law, and his studies included the Koran. In philosophy he chose to study Abu Nasr al-Farabi, an eminent early Islamic philosopher who was influenced by Aristotle and Plato and whose work informed the later writings of both Islamic and Christian Arab philosophers. (International Herald Tribune)
Anglican same-sex debate not a revolt, cleric says Oct 22, 2007
But Rev. Perry, an expert on canon law, said there is a certain logic to what is going on ... Rev. Perry, who is considered an expert on canon law by both liberals and conservatives, said those who think the Anglican Church will crack under the pressure of this divisive debate need to look at history. (National Post)
Archbishop apologizes for giving Communion to Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Oct 17, 2007
" He said such people are designated "manifest public sinners" in canon law. "This is someone who violates in a serious way one of the Ten Commandments or one of the important laws of the Church," he said. "While I can see Bill O'Reilly and others might be offended, the sisters do not meet the criteria the church has for denying Communion. Over-accessorizing and poor taste in makeup is not an excommunicable offense. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Vatican promises action after priest's gay advance Oct 16, 2007
He said sexual misconduct is often dealt with through Canon Law 1339, which has been applied against priests found guilty of sexual abuse against minors. The Catholic Church does not consider homosexual tendencies sinful in themselves but condemns homosexual acts and teaches that priests should adhere to their vow of celibacy. (Globe and Mail)
Western New York Church Closings Oct 15, 2007
Church member Mike Ulrich says the parishioners plan to make an appeal and have hired a canon law attorney to help them through the process. Mike Ulrich, St. Mary's Church Trustee, "There are some technicalities that I'm not aware of that could possible over turn it, but again that's a long shot.". (WIVB)
ALL President Questions Cardinal McCarrick on Denying Communion to Pro-Abortion Catholics Oct 13, 2007
"Cardinal McCarrick is not simply having a disagreement on this matter, but rather is raising the level of dissent from Church teaching and Canon Law to a new level," she said. The specific Catholic Church law at issue is Canon 915, which states: "Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion." "It is the second part of this Canon Law that is creating... (PR Newswire)
CASEY, Aileene Agnes Oct 2, 2007
In 1962 she started a second career as a secretary to Bishop Begin and the Canon Law Department in the newly formed Diocese of Oakland. In 1972, she received the Diocesan Outstanding Merit Award & Medal for her service to the Diocese. (San Francisco Chronicle)
