Diocese of Cleveland
A Tribunal is established in each diocese by the bishop to assist him
in carrying out his responsibility as shepherd of the local Christian community which
has been entrusted to him (cc. 369, 1419 Code of Canon Law, 1983).
As the judicial arm of the bishop, the diocesan tribunal cooperates in his
ministry of furthering the supreme law of the Church--the salvation of souls
(c.1752).
The diocesan bishop appoints a judicial vicar to oversee the operation of the
tribunal (c.1420). This individual must be a priest with a degree in canon
law. Other qualified individuals, both cleric and lay, are appointed by the
bishop to serve as judges, defenders of the bond, auditors, assessors, advocates
and notaries in order to process petitions requesting a declaration of
invalidity. The entire judicial
process is specified in Book VII of the Code of Canon Law, as are
the qualifications for various positions (cc1400-1707).
Church law safeguards the indissolubility of the sacrament of marriage. By
law, a marriage is presumed valid until established otherwise by positive proof
(c.1060). A declaration of invalidity is rendered when the marriage is
determined to be invalid. While the process is judicial, it is the
commitment of the tribunal personnel to demonstrate a pastoral attitude and
regard for those who submit cases for adjudication.
