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WORKING GROUP Updates
STRUCTURAL CHANGE, ANYONE?
Update from Margaret Roylance, Group Chair
In response to the ongoing discussion concerning VOTF possibly calling for
structural change, which begins to address the lack of checks and balances
in diocesan governance, I would like to point out that the VOTF National Structural
Change Working Group has put forward two proposals which do just that. These
two proposal are entitled:
- Independent Judicial Review of Actions by a Diocesan
Bishop
- Diocesan Mutual Visitation as a Mechanism for Renewal
These are included in the Structural Change CD that was available at the
Convocation in Indianapolis. The Structural Change Working Group requested
that the members of the National Representative Council distribute the proposals
to members of their regions for discussion and feedback before they are sent
out to the U.S. bishops and voted on by the our National Representative Council.
These proposals are based on consultations with Canon Lawyer Ladislas Orsy,
S.J. They represent a middle ground, since they would not necessarily require
a change in the 1983 Code of Canon Law, yet they might provide important mechanisms
for providing limits on the currently unlimited executive, legislative and
judicial authority of the diocesan bishop within his diocese.
If any VOTF members have questions or comments on these proposals, please
send them to one of your regional reps or directly to me at roylances@comcast.net.
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