The Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand annual conference last week focused on practical solutions to some of the complex canonical and pastoral issues in the Church today.
More than 100 people gathered for the society’s 59th annual conference, held at Rydges North Sydney from August 31 to September 3.
CLSANZ president Fr Paul Clark said he was delighted with the conference and especially with the number of participants including CLSANZ members and guests from Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, UK, Canada, US, Hong Kong, and Guam.
“The Canon Law Society holds a unique place in the Church, especially for the local Churches of Australia, New Zealand, and Pasifika,” Fr Clark said.
“Our annual conference provides an invaluable opportunity to renew friendships, share our practical experience of the law, and explore how canon law serves the life and mission of the Church today.”
Fr Frank Brennan SJ opened the conference with reflections on two significant Catholic jurists, his father, Sir Gerard Brennan, and Sir William Deane, and their contributions to public discourse in Australia, especially regarding the rights of Indigenous Australians.
Diane Barr, president of the Canon Law Society of America and chancellor of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, offered her insights on the experience of the bankruptcy provisions employed by a number of dioceses and Church entities in the US.
Dr Barr explored how US dioceses have sought to achieve fair legal settlements for claims related to allegations of historical child sexual abuse by clergy and adults acting on behalf of the Church.
Dr Barr emphasised the importance of ensuring the pastoral care of the whole community of the Church and the desire for justice when pursuing the civil law options available to the Church.
Fr Brian Lucas examined the civil liability of Church entities regarding historical child abuse claims following recent key decisions of the High Court of Australia.
Other presenters included Dr Patrick Mullins, Fr Peter Blayney, Fr Joseph Lee SDB, Fr Adi Indra, Lawrence Hallinan, Fr Mateusz Markiewicz IBP, Fr John Doherty and Fr Clark.
Those attending the conference celebrated Mass together at St Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, which offered everyone the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Australia’s first saint.
The 60th Annual CLSANZ Conference will be held in Brisbane from August 30-September 2, 2027.
Details: clsanz.catholic.org.au.
FULL STORY
Canon Law Conference tackles modern challenges (Canon Law Society Australia and New Zealand)
