Tribunal
About the Tribunal
To experience the process involved in a declaration of nullity (invalidity) is to experience healing.
A tribunal, which is the official ecclesiastical court of the Catholic Church, 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 (1983 Code of Canon Law canons 369, 1419). As the judicial arm of the bishop, the diocesan tribunal cooperates in his ministry, namely, "the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law of the Church" (canon 1752).
All previously married individuals have a right to seek clarification of the status of a previous marriage. The trained personnel at the Diocese of Raleigh Tribunal are delegated to act on behalf of the Bishop of Raleigh. They seek justice, the protections of rights, and the clarification of obligations for all who approach the Tribunal.
Church law (properly called canon law) safeguards the indissolubility of the sacrament of marriage. By law, a marriage is presumed valid until proven otherwise by positive proof (canon 1060). A declaration of nullity is rendered when the marriage is determined to be invalid. The procedures utilized by the tribunal are grounded in canon law, Sacred Scripture and the authentic teaching of the Church. 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.
For a more complete explanation of the process, see:
How do I begin?
A petition for a Declaration of Nullity can be initiated by calling Mrs. Vikki Newell at (919) 821-9759, Mrs. Susan Stanton at (919) 821-9754, or Mrs. Anne Speicher at (919) 645-4435.
Contacts
Address:
Tribunal
Diocese of Raleigh
2401 Crusader Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 821-9700
Fax: (919) 821-9733
Vicar Judicial
Reverend Monsignor Jerry M. Sherba, JCD, PhD
Phone: (919) 821-9756
Adjutant Vicar Judicial
Very Reverend Joseph G. Mulroney, JCL
Phone: (919) 821-9758
Director
Mrs. Vikki Newell
Phone: (919) 821-9759
Assistant Director
Mrs. Susan Stanton
Phone: (919) 821-9754
Case Instructor
Mrs. Anne Speicher
Phone: (919) 645-4435