Tribunal Work

The work of the tribunal

‘Our teaching on marriage and the family cannot fail to be inspired and transformed by [the] message of love and tenderness; otherwise, it becomes nothing more than the defence of a dry and lifeless doctrine.  The mystery of the Christian family can be fully understood only in the light of the Father’s infinite love revealed in Christ, who gave himself up for our sake and who continues to dwell in our midst.  I turn my gaze to the living Christ, who is at the heart of so many love stories, and to invoke the fire of the Spirit upon all the world’s families.’ Pope Francis Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) #59

Marriage Tribunals are part of the Church’s pastoral care of those who have experienced the sadness of the breakdown of their marriage. The question they seek to answer is – did the wedding become a marriage? Over the centuries, based on the Gospel and the lived experience of married men and women, the Church has grown in its understanding of what makes a true marriage. Pope Francis has greatly simplified the process by which Marriage Tribunals respond to requests for decrees of nullity. Our ministry seeks to reflect the merciful love of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

If you feel that the ministry offered by our marriage tribunal may be of help to you, you are very welcome to contact us directly or perhaps you may wish to discuss it with the priest in your parish.