MAJOR issues were on the agenda for more than 95 delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Asia and North America and international speakers at the 57th Annual Canon Law Conference this month.
The Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand hosted the sessions and workshops over four days, helping equip attendees with the tools they need to address evolving canon law challenges.
The conference featured keynote addresses on penal canon law, simulation in marriage, justice reform and Juridical Reflections on the Synod on Synodality.
Oratory Father Adrian Sharp said it was good professional development to have his colleagues fly in for a week of canon law workshops and speakers in Brisbane.
Fr Sharp, who is judicial vicar for Brisbane archdiocese, said it was an encouraging week.
“It’s always a good chance to see our counterparts from around the country,” Fr Sharp said.
“The conference is usually the only face-to-face chance of catching up each year.
“It’s good to meet those who are new to the canon law field and make connections for when it’s necessary to contact them in the future.”
Fr Sharp said the speakers provided up-to-date developments, and assisted in the ongoing formation of tribunal and chancery roles.
“One of the presentations was on the juridical elements of synodality,” he said.
“A very topical theme, and I found it a helpful presentation.
“The international speakers brought their expertise in academic thought and research to the topics of justice in penal processes, synodality, and unpacking simulation of marital consent as a ground of marriage nullity.”
Monsignor Brendan Daly is a leading canon law expert, having held positions at universities and tribunals across New Zealand.
For the last seven years Msgr Daly has been the judicial vicar of the tribunal of the Church for New Zealand, and delivered a session on “Spiritual abuse as a crime”.
“The opportunity to share knowledge with such a dedicated group of professionals is always rewarding,” Msgr Daly said.
“The discussions we had here in Brisbane will equip delegates with the necessary resources to apply canon law appropriately in their respective parishes, dioceses, and wider Catholic communities.”
The Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand president Fr Ken Cafe said the conference was an opportunity for the Church to grow.
“We are delighted with the turnout and the engagement we witnessed over the past four days,” Fr Cafe said.
“This conference provided a welcome opportunity for our members to reconnect and delve into the critical issues facing the Church’s legal framework today.”
As well as Msgr Daly, the international speakers included Dr Rocio Figueroa from New Zealand, Dr Edward Morgan from the UK, Fr Giorgio Giovanelli from Italy, and Dr Chad Glendinning from Canada.
The Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand will host next year’s conference in Adelaide.
