New Policy Eliminates Monetary Concerns in Hopes of Returning Persons to Full
Practice of their Faith
Cleveland Catholic Bishop, Most Reverend Richard Lennon, has notified all priests and deacons in the eight counties of the Diocese that the diocesan Tribunal will no longer charge fees for marriage annulment cases, marriage dispensations, and marriage permissions.
Bishop Lennon explained that the decision was made after consulting with his staff, the diocese?s judicial vicar, and several of the pastors. He hopes and prays that his decision will encourage greater participation in the life of the Church by men and women who have found themselves in irregular marital situations, such as divorce and remarriage. He added, ?This is an effort to promote the common good for the Faithful of Cleveland.?
The cost of a marriage annulment generally has been in the $450.00 range. Those fees will now be assumed by the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal which handles such cases.
The Bishop?s decision comes as separated and divorced Catholics will most likely be a focus of the 2014 Synod (Gathering of Bishops in Rome) which will be addressing the Church and the family in our culture. Pope Francis has already talked about the general need for mercy in the Church today, suggesting that ?Pastors should search for ways to minister to divorced and separated Catholics so that they do not feel excluded from the mercy of God.?
The elimination of the annulment fees begins immediately. The policy includes all types of annulment cases. For persons awaiting a final decision, all remaining balances are being waived.
