NZ canon lawyer to feature in safeguarding webinar

Each session will be facilitated by canonist Msgr Brendan Daly, Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal of the Catholic Church for New Zealand, with the support of Daniele Donnini, the Pontifical Commission’s regional expert for Asia-Oceania. 

The sessions will run on September 10, 17 and 24.

In advertising the webinars, the Commission stated that “the global Catholic Church has taken significant steps to strengthen safeguarding measures, respond with integrity to cases of abuse and ensure justice and healing for victims-survivors. Yet, for many Church authorities, canon lawyers and safeguarding professionals, navigating the complexities of canon law in this space can be challenging”. 

“Recognising this need, the Canon Law Series has been developed to build understanding, confidence and institutional capacity to address safeguarding issues within the Church. Over three focused sessions, this series will equip participants with knowledge and tools to ensure accountability, uphold procedural fairness and foster a culture of safety across ecclesial contexts.” 

The Commission noted that the series is tailored to three key groups: Church authorities responsible for safeguarding decisions; canon lawyers tasked with interpreting and applying ecclesial law; and safeguarding professionals seeking greater fluency in canonical processes.

“Whether advising leaders, handling allegations or strengthening diocesan structures, participants will receive concrete support to act justly and effectively,” promotional material for the webinars explains.

The titles of the three webinars are “Canon Law on Sexual Abuse”; “Preliminary Investigations”; “The Extra-Judicial Process”.

Participants in the Canon Law Series will be offered an understanding of canonical norms, increased confidence in managing complex safeguarding cases and access to practical tools for implementation at the diocesan or institutional level. 

“This is about more than legal accuracy,” said Mr Donnini. “It’s about living out the Church’s mission to protect the vulnerable and confront wrongdoing with honesty and compassion.”

Registration closes on August 31. 

FULL STORY

Building Capacity for Accountability and Support in the Church: A Three-Part Series on Canon Law and Safeguarding – Tutela Minorum (Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors)