Canon lawyers explore contemporary issues
National
The Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand (CLSANZ) will hold its 58th annual conference in Adelaide.
To be held from September 1-4 at the Hilton Adelaide, the event brings together canonists, theologians, clergy and lay professionals to discuss key legal and pastoral issues facing the Church in Australia and beyond.
This year’s diverse program includes keynote presentations and workshops covering topics such as the ethical and canonical implications of voluntary assisted dying, the civil incorporation of Church entities, and pastoral approaches to tribunal ministry.
CLSANZ president Fr Paul Clark said he was looking forward to attendees engaging deeply with current and emerging challenges in canon law at the upcoming conference.
“This year’s program includes a rich mix of canonical scholarship, pastoral insight, and practical skills development in areas of canon law,” Fr Clark said.
The speakers and highlights of the conference include:
Adelaide Archbishop Patrick O’Regan DD will open the conference with a keynote reflecting on the Australian Plenary Council and the Synod, offering his insights into their ecclesiological significance and implications for the local Church.
Other speakers include:
- Dr Bernadette Tobin – A leading ethicist from the Plunkett Centre for Ethics, Dr Tobin will address the Church’s engagement with voluntary assisted dying legislation, an area of growing legal and moral complexity.
- Fr John Doherty JCD , from the Archdiocese of Sydney, will lead an extended practicum on the penal process, particularly relevant to those working in chanceries and safeguarding roles.
- Michael Nobel JCD – From Saint Paul University, Ontario, will examine incapacity in giving consent to marriage and offer a practical workshop on instructing such cases.
- Fr Peter Slack JCL – Drawing on his experience in the Diocese of Lismore, Fr Slack will explore the canonical implications of civil incorporation for entities conducting the Church’s apostolic works.
- Fr Binh Le JCL – From the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Fr Le will address the challenges and canonical procedures related to the incardination of clergy from other cultures in the Australian Church.
- Sue Rivett JCL – From the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Sue will present a workshop on instructing cases concerning the bonum coniugum (the good of the spouses) in marriage nullity causes.
- Sr Janette Murphy RSJ – Insights into providing pastoral care and canonical support to members of the deaf community who are seeking a declaration of nullity.
For further information and to register for the conference, visit clsanz.catholic.org.au
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