A flier with the above details can be accessed at this link.

The book is priced at $24.95, but CUA Press is offering a 30% discount to CLSA members who place an order through the Press's website and who use the code CLEO25 at checkout.

Click here for details and ordering information.

The conference program and abstracts are available on the Society’s website. The abstracts demonstrate the quality of their scholarship and offer a glimpse into just how interesting this multidisciplinary field can be. The twenty-six papers include such diverse subjects as corrective baptism, gender, divorce, Orthodox diaspora, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the definition of heresy and schism at Nicaea, modern Orthodox-Catholic relations, and the episcopacy in relationship to state, nationalism, and the care of the faithful. The Orthodox Christian Attorney Network has partnered with the Society and is sponsoring a luncheon program on confession, mandatory reporter laws, and recent First Amendment issues. The Society is an incorporated non-profit academic society that is Pan-Orthodox as well as unrestricted in denominational affiliation. All are invited to register early and take advantage of lower flight and accommodation costs.

The conference provides a venue for the presentation of papers embodying current research on all aspects of Orthodox canonical studies and for discussion of canonical praxis in a professional setting. Orthodox canon law includes the entire field of Eastern Christian canonical history and practice, including the Oriental and Eastern Catholic traditions. The discipline extends beyond the review of formal legislation and includes a vast scope of practice and literature. The canonical and legal life of the Church is reflected in such diverse areas as hagiography, liturgy, art, hymnography, and pastoral practice.

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone signed off on the groundbreaking initiative in an April 14 decree, which described a key goal as “fostering a deeper understanding of the processes involved in recognizing the holiness of individuals and their potential for sainthood.”

The Center will house relics and other archival materials, provide resources, present networking opportunities and offer a critical six-day course.

The inaugural course, open to interested clergy, religious and laity, will be held Feb. 16-21, 2026, at the scenic Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park.

Participants will earn an official certificate at the completion of the intensive program, designed by Dr. Emanuele Spedicato and Dr. Waldery Hilgeman, two esteemed postulators and canon law experts from Rome with extensive experience in presenting cases for sainthood.

“This is something new in the Catholic Church in America, and I believe it will help open the door to more sainthood causes nationwide,” said Michael McDevitt, who spent decades promoting the cause of Cora Evans, an American housewife and convert from Mormonism whose case has concluded its U.S. inspections, investigations and inquiries and is now in the hands of the Vatican.

“We know firsthand the challenges faced with starting a cause and faced with the daunting complexities of the process. This is a resource designed to guide participants through the rigorous sainthood application and navigate the diocesan canonical procedures efficiently and effectively,” said McDevitt.

Attendees can gain an understanding of the theological and historical context behind these procedures and practical skills in preparing for and navigating through such undertakings.

In addition, they can hone their research and analytical capabilities, sharpen their insight into canon law and grow spiritually as they delve into the faith journeys of the would-be saints and blessed.

The new venture furnishes “a transformative opportunity for the sainthood causes in America,” said McDevitt.

More information can be found at SainthoodCenter.com.

The 2025 Conference of the Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America

Deadline: May 31, 2025

The Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America (OCLSNA) holds an annual forum for the presentation and discussion of papers on every aspect of Orthodox canon law and on related topics relevant to the discipline. Orthodox canon law includes the entire field of Eastern Christian canonical history and practice, including the Oriental and Eastern Catholic traditions. The discipline extends beyond the review of formal legislation and includes a vast scope of practice and literature. The canonical and legal life of the Church is reflected in such diverse areas as hagiography, liturgy, art, hymnography, civil litigation, and pastoral practice.

Conference attendance is open to all. Although blessed by Orthodox hierarchy, the society is academic in nature and not affiliated with any Orthodox jurisdiction or with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States.

The society aims to foster growth in the study of the Orthodox canonical tradition by gathering scholars, professors, graduate students, attorneys, seminarians, and interested clergy in academic conferences to provide an avenue for the presentation of papers embodying current research in a professional setting.

The location of this year’s conference will take place on October 24–25, 2025 at the Maliotis Cultural Center located on the campus of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445.

The Program Committee invites proposals for papers on all topics and in all disciplines related to Orthodox canon law, as described above broadly construed. Scholars, professors, graduate students, attorneys, seminarians, and interested clergy are encouraged to contribute. Since the society is academic in nature, all are welcome to submit proposals without any consideration of denominational affiliation.

The deadline for submission of paper proposals is May 31, 2025.

Paper proposals for the 2025 conference may be in the form of individual papers and complete panels. In both cases, abstracts for proposed papers must not exceed 500 words and must be written in a manner comprehensible to the members of the Program Committee. All proposed papers must be substantially original and, for the most part, not have been published previously. Each author is permitted to deliver only one paper at the conference.

Find more information in the attached flyer, or at https://www.oclsna.org/conference

Frequently Asked Questions

1)    Do I need to submit a completed paper before or at the conference?

No. Completed papers are never submitted. Papers are read at the conference but not submitted. 

Only proposals for papers are submitted to the program committee. These proposals take the form of abstracts. Please follow the instructions for their submission. The criteria for their acceptance are listed in the instructions.

2)    Will the accepted abstracts be published?

Yes. All accepted abstracts will be published for the conference.

3)    How long should a conference paper be?

The presentation of the paper must not exceed twenty-five minutes. The expected average time for reading a paper is twenty minutes. Please ensure beforehand that your presentation does not exceed the allotted time limits. 

Typically, three papers will be assigned to a panel. The presentation of the three papers and a question and answer/discussion time that follows will be allotted a maximum of two hours total.

4)    Will the papers be published in a conference volume?

No. Papers will be read at the conference, but not published. The text of the paper will not be distributed. 

Only the accepted abstract will be published for the conference. Absent extenuating circumstances, the submission of the accepted abstract for publication constitutes an agreement to present the paper at the conference. 

Registration is open now for the inaugural conference of the Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America (https://www.oclsna.org/conference) on October 18 and 19, 2024, at the Maliotis Cultural Center, on the grounds of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, 50 Goddard Ave., Brookline, MA.

The conference program and abstracts are available on the Society’s website. The abstracts for the conference (which you can read on the Society’s website) demonstrate the quality of their scholarship and offer a glimpse into just how interesting this multidisciplinary field can be. The seventeen papers include such subjects as an oral history of the Rastafari’s entrance into Ethiopian Orthodoxy, a canonical analysis of cross-dressing saints in Byzantium, the Armenian canons on divorce, and a proposal for the ordination of the disabled.

The Orthodox Christian Attorney Network has partnered with the Society and is sponsoring the luncheon program on the confidentiality of Orthodox confession and its implications in civil litigation.

The Society is an incorporated non-profit academic society that is Pan-Orthodox as well as unrestricted in denominational affiliation. All are invited to register early and take advantage of lower flight and accommodation costs. 
The conference provides a venue for the presentation of papers embodying current research on all aspects of Orthodox canonical studies and for discussion of canonical praxis in a professional setting. Orthodox canon law includes the entire field of Eastern Christian canonical history and practice, including the Oriental and Eastern Catholic traditions. The discipline extends beyond the review of formal legislation and includes a vast scope of practice and literature. The canonical and legal life of the Church is reflected in such diverse areas as hagiography, liturgy, art, hymnography, and pastoral practice.

Announcement of Orthodox Canon Law Society Conference (PDF)

Draft Program

Draft of Abstracts

For the full schedule and all related information, click here to access the brochure.

The Congress will be held September 16-20, 2024 in Athens, Greece, the Metropolis of Peristeri. 

A brochure with the full itinerary is available at this link.

Catholic Lawyers: Uniting Law and Reason

October 10-12, 2024

Louisville, Kentucky

For the full schedule of presenters and their presentations, click here. 

The workshop aims to provide a practical study of the "proactive" and "reactive" responses of the advocates in the canonical process, with a special reference to the substantive penal law and the application of the penal process (preliminary investigation, judicial and extrajudicial processes).

The workshop will be offered by Msgr. John Renken, Rev. Alexander Laschuk, and Rev. Jesu Pudumai Doss.

Early Bird registration (until September 15, 2024): $150 CAD

Regular Price: $200 CAD

For more information and to register, please visit our website.

Click for event brochure.

Details can be found in the brochure at this link.

The 343 page e-pub was edited by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna and Dr. Myriam Wijlens, and contains a foreword by Cardinal Seán O'Malley, OFM Cap.

The Table of Contents includes the following authors and their topics:

Myriam Wijlens: The Rights of Alleged Victims in Penal Proceedings
Introduction to a Seminar 
Gianpaolo Montini: The Rights of Alleged Victims in Canonical Penal Procedures
Current Penal Procedural Canon Law
Fabián Salvioli: The Rights of the Victims: International Standards and the Need of
a Holistic Approach 
Ma. Liza Miscala-Jorda: Rights of Alleged Victims in Penal Procedures in the Philippines 
Jane Goodman-Delahunty, Nicholas Cowdery: Rights of Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in Criminal Proceedingsin Australia 
Mary Graw Leary: A Crime Victim Rights Framework in the USA 
Jorge Cardona: Rights of Alleged Victims in Penal Procedures in Spain
María Inés Franck: Rights of Alleged Victims in Penal Procedures in Argentina and Current Approach to Victims’ Rights in Canon Law 
Raphaële Parizot: The Rights of Alleged Victims in Penal Procedures in France 

Livia Pomodoro: Rights of Alleged Victims in Criminal Proceedings in Italy, with
Reference to Canon Law 
Frauke Rostalski: The Rights of (Minor) Victims of Sexual Violence in German
Criminal Procedure
Małgorzata Skórzewska-Amberg: Polish Criminal Procedure in Respect of Sexual Offences Against Minors 
Mark L. Bartchak: The Position of Alleged Victims in the Canonical Penal Process
Aidan McGrath, OFM: With Dignity and Respect: How Victims May Participate in
Canonical Proceedings – Reflections on a Seminar by a Practising Canon Lawyer in Penal Matters 
Charles J. Scicluna: Quo vadis? Canonical Reflections on the Rights of Alleged Victims
in Canonical Procedures

The 2024 Conference of the Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America

Deadline for Abstract Submission: May 31, 2024

Conference dates: October 18–19, 2024

The Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America (OCLSNA) holds an annual forum for the presentation and discussion of papers on every aspect of Orthodox canon law and on related topics relevant to the discipline. Orthodox canon law includes the entire field of Eastern Christian canonical history and practice, including the Oriental and Eastern Catholic traditions. The discipline extends beyond the review of formal legislation and includes a vast scope of practice and literature. The canonical and legal life of the Church is reflected in such diverse areas as hagiography, liturgy, art, hymnography, civil litigation, and pastoral practice.

Conference attendance and membership is open to all. Although blessed by Orthodox hierarchy, the society is academic in nature and not affiliated with any Orthodox jurisdiction or with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States. The Society is an incorporated non-profit. The website of the society provides further information on recent activities (https://www.oclsna.org/news) and membership (https://www.oclsna.org/membership).

The society aims to foster growth in the study of the Orthodox canonical tradition by gathering scholars, professors, graduate students, attorneys, seminarians, and interested clergy in academic conferences to provide an avenue for the presentation of papers embodying current research in a professional setting.

The location of this year’s conference will take place on October 18–19, 2024 at the Maliotis Cultural Center located on the campus of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445.

The Program Committee invites proposals for papers on all topics and in all disciplines related to Orthodox canon law, as described above broadly construed. Scholars, professors, graduate students, attorneys, seminarians, and interested clergy are encouraged to contribute. Since the society is academic in nature, all are welcome to submit proposals without any consideration of denominational affiliation.

Paper proposals for the 2024 conference may be in the form of individual papers and complete panels. In both cases, abstracts for proposed papers must not exceed 500 words and must be written in a manner comprehensible to the members of the Program Committee. All proposed papers must be substantially original and, for the most part, not have been published previously. Each author is permitted to deliver only one paper at the conference.

To find more information, see the attached flyer, or visit the Society's website at https://www.oclsna.org/conference

Frequently Asked Questions

1)    Do I need to submit a completed paper before or at the conference?

No. Completed papers are never submitted. Papers are read at the conference but not submitted. 

Only proposals for papers are submitted to the program committee. These proposals take the form of abstracts. Please follow the instructions for their submission. The criteria for their acceptance are listed in the instructions.

2)    Will the accepted abstracts be published?

Yes. All accepted abstracts will be published for the conference.

3)    How long should a conference paper be?

The presentation of the paper must not exceed twenty-five minutes. The expected average time for reading a paper is twenty minutes. Please ensure beforehand that your presentation does not exceed the allotted time limits. 

Typically, three papers will be assigned to a panel. The presentation of the three papers and a question and answer/discussion time that follows will be allotted a maximum of two hours total.

4)    Will the papers be published in a conference volume?

No. Papers will be read at the conference, but not published. The text of the paper will not be distributed. 

Only the accepted abstract will be published for the conference. Absent extenuating circumstances, the submission of the accepted abstract for publication constitutes an agreement to present the paper at the conference. 

CLSA members are invited and can pay member rates. 

The speakers this year include:

• Mons. Robert Oliver, Judicial Vicar, Archdiocese of Boston
• Rev Piotr Kroczek, Professor - Faculty of Canon Law, Pontifical University of St John Paul II, Krakow
• Sr Eleanor Campion OCSO, Consultor to the Abbot General, Rome
• Fr Przemyslaw Michowicz OFMC Conv, Professor - Faculty of Canon Law, Pontifical University of St John Paul II, Krakow
• Fr Gregory Pearson OP, Novice Master & Vocations Director, Blackfrairs, Oxford

Further details and to register, go to: https://canonlawsociety.org/annual-conference-2024

Register by clicking this link.

Presentation

Ecclesial Movements and Lay Associations are widespread in the Church today. They involve tens of thousands of Catholics, of all states of life, each reality expressing its members’ common baptismal call to seek holiness and to evangelize, through a shared life and apostolate, often colored by a charism, sometimes in reference to a founder still in activity. And yet the notion of charismatically inspired communities in the service of the Church is not new. How these ‘new’ communities perceive themselves is reflected in how they are governed, yet how they are governed may be called to evolve over time. The Webinar will reflect on the criteria for a just exercise of authority in these realities, and on how models of authority are called to evolve if such communities are to continue to bear fruit.

Philip Gerard Milligan was born in Scotland in 1967. He is a lay person committed in celibacy in the Emmanuel Community, and lives in Rome. After graduating in Scots Law at the University of Aberdeen, he studied philosophy at L’Institut d’études théologiques in Belgium, and languages at L’Université Jean Moulin (Lyon III).  He studied Canon Law at the Pontifical University Santa Croce (Rome), completing his doctorate there in 2017, published as Approaches to Authority and Obedience in the International Ecclesial Movements and New Communities (EDUSC, Rome 2017). He coordinated the international office at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family (Rome) from 1997 - 2005. From 2012-2016 he was head of the legal office at the Pontifical Council for the Laity. Since 2016 he holds the same post at the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, the department of the Roman Curia that exercises the Holy See’s competency for the lay apostolate and associations of the faithful.

Msgr. John Renken will present on How to Prove Marriage Nullity. The $110 fee includes meals and materials.

For complete information on the schedule, accommodations and registration, please visit https://tribunalworkshop.rsvpify.com. If you have questions, please contact Elizabeth ehowe@dolr.org.

During this webinar, speakers will be discussing the Significance of the changes in "Vos estis" in the context of canon law, the changes in "Vos estis" in the concrete application of canon law in the pastoral context as well as their direction and further steps of reflection and application.

Learn more and register here.

For more information, click here. 

Dismissal of a Religious: Recent Modifications & Canonical Challenges

Rev. Dr. M.J. Jesu Pudumai Doss

March 8, 2023

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Registration compulsory at the following link

https://uottawa-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkd-GvrjkvE9xYwEVxM5_LvcMZFMEPqIi6#/registration

Summary

The Dismissal of a Religious is a difficult process for all those involved and its application has become rather challenging to those who are in leadership within the Religious Institutes. Pope Francis, being a religious himself, has modified lately certain aspects of canon law regarding the Dismissal of Members of Religious Institutes: Apostolic Letter issued motu proprio Communis vita (19 March 2019); Apostolic Letter issued motu proprio Recognitum Librum VI (26 April 2022); Apostolic Letter issued motu proprio Competentias quasdam decernere (11 February 2022).

This webinar intends to highlight significant changes in the revised canon law, which addresses the new ecclesial needs and perspectives vis-à-vis Dismissal of a Religious. It also deals with some challenges regarding the protection of rights of the individual religious and of the Institutes, duties of those in leadership within the Religious Institutes and transparency of the dismissal process.

Biography

Rev. Dr. M.J. Jesu Pudumai Doss is a Salesian of Don Bosco (SDB) priest from Chennai, Tamil Nadu India. He holds post-graduate degrees in English, Education, Civil Law, Human Rights & Oriental Canon Law and has a Doctorate in Canon Law.

At present, he is a Full Professor, Faculty of Canon Law, St Paul University, Ottawa, Canada (from 2021). He also collaborates with “Centre for Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons”, “Centre for Canonical Services” and “Legal Education for Leadership of Religious Institutes and Their Lay Collaborators”, at Saint Paul University, Ottawa. He has been appointed a Judge in the Canadian National Appeal Ecclesiastical Tribunal (CCCB), Ottawa (from 2021).

He was Professor (from 2002) and Dean, in the Faculty of Canon Law, Salesian Pontifical University, Rome, Italy. He was also a Judge in Ecclesiastical Tribunal (First Instance), Vicariate of Rome (from 2006); a member of special commission for favor fidei Marriage cases at Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith (from 2007); a Defender of Bond for rato et non consummato Marriage cases at the special office of Roman Rota (from 2012); & was a Consultor of Congregation for the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (from 2014-2021).

He has lectured in many European Universities, especially in Rome, and Indian Theological Centres. He has published many books (about 20 edited books & 3 books) and research articles in books and international journals on these aspects: Canon Law, Civil Law (especially Child rights) and Education. His latest book was published in Tamil - his mother tongue, Children Our Nation’s Assets: Child Protection and Indian Laws, New Delhi: AIDBES, 2020, & his latest edited books are: Pathways to Fraternity. Educating the Young in the Light of Fratelli Tutti (New Delhi: AIDBES, 2021); Take Care of Priests! (Chennai: Don Bosco Publications, 2022).

Professor Wojciech Kowal O.M.I.

December 7, 2022

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST

There is no charge for registration.

Registration is compulsory.  Please click here:

https://uottawa-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvcuGurTIqGdBKeslPMvBJBy1zsk7kYP3r#/registration

Summary

The webinar will present some more recent canonical developments
with regard to the dissolution of the marriage bond and the
validation of marriage. The first subject matter will include the
dissolution of the marriage bond of ratified and non-consummated
marriages (cc. 1142; 1697–1706), the dissolution of marriages in
virtue of the Pauline privilege (cc. 1143–1147), certain sixteenth
century provisions (cc. 1148–1149), and the dissolution of
marriages in favour of the faith (c. 1150 and the special norms).
The part on the validation of marriage will address simple validation
(cc. 1156–1160) and the sanatio in radice (cc. 1161–1165).

Biography

Wojciech Kowal, OMI, is a Missionary Oblate of Mary Im­mac­ulate,
member of Assumption Province in Canada (Toronto). He
obtained his canonical degrees at Saint Paul University, Ottawa
(JCL, 1994; JCD, 1997). His canonical experience includes the
office of chancellor of the curia in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas
(MB), 1997-1998. Associate professor in the Faculty of Canon Law,
Saint Paul University, Ottawa, specializing in methodology of canon
law, hierarchical recourse and some special marriage procedures.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Oct 6, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CLERGY ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS:  TOWARD A MODEL POLICY FOR DIOCESES AND RELIGIOUS ORDERS
 Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81486062812?pwd=VWxsM25nd0N4ZWpjQUdzQzM2UE9Wdz09

Passcode: 437768
Or One tap mobile : 
    US: +16465588656,,81486062812#,,,,*437768#  or +16469313860,,81486062812#,,,,*437768# 
Or Telephone:
    Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 646 558 8656  or +1 646 931 3860  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 309 205 3325  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 386 347 5053  or +1 564 217 2000  or +1 669 444 9171  or +1 719 359 4580  or +1 720 707 2699 
Webinar ID: 814 8606 2812
Passcode: 437768
    International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/km7iGB7fM

REGISTRATION is compulsory via the link provided below. 
Title: From Pastor Bonus to Praedicate Evangelium: A Combination of Tradition, Revision and Innovation
Presenter: Prof. Michael Nobel
Date: 28 September 2022
Time: 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST
Register at this link:

https://uottawa-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwufu2rrD8tE9fSMB0I0Y-yretR6CCKGy_e#/registration

 Summary
The reform of the Roman Curia with Pope Francis’ Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium strives to streamline the various dicasteries and institutes attached to the Holy See, so that they become more responsive and functional in the evangelizing mission of the Church. This webinar will attempt to outline the main “changes of the Roman Curia which reflect the main features of the curial institutions: vicarious power, organic co-operation, and decentralizing co-responsibility. Structural changes do not suffice for the renewed understanding of the service of the Roman Curia, but it also requires ‘first and foremost a change of mentality and conduct in the operators:’ professionalism, pastoral approach, and universality of service of those in charge, whether clerics or laity.” (Michael Nobel, Pastor Bonus – Praedicate Evangelium. Commentary, Ottawa, KDP, 2022, 22) In short, Praedicate Evangelium sets out several principles and criteria for the service of the Roman Curia which will be discussed during the webinar.

Pastor Bonus - Praedicate Evangelium: Synopsis offers a systematic overview of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus (June 28, 1988) and the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium (March 19, 2022).

Pastor Bonus - Praedicate Evnagelium: Commentary is an attempt to address the new Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium on the Roman Curia (March 19, 2022). Primarily it will reflect the changes made regarding the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus (June 28, 1988); other relevant documents that have (had) an impact will be referred to as well.

Pope Francis and the Parish reviews the influences that shaped Jorge Bergoglio’s ecclesial vision and were later implemented in The Joy of the Gospel. Based on the experience of a cathedral parish in Rochester, New York, it details the enfolding of missionary discipleship in the parish as it transitioned from a blue-collar bastion to a place of stark poverty, of new peripheries with dramatic new needs, including a burgeoning refugee population. Reference is made to the “Field Hospital” motif, The Joy of the Gospel’s “Four Essential Principles,” “The Three Step Program,” and Pope Francis’ guidelines for parish leadership. The work concludes with Pope Francis’ call to hope and the transformation of the parish into a “People with a Spirited Impulse.”

For additional details and an order form, click here.