Daniel del Castillo Gonz\u00e1lez<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can a layperson participate in the governance of a diocese? Serve as a judge in an ecclesiastical court? Or preside over certain marriages? The answers to these questions can be found in the Code of Canon Law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Synod has put forward a proposal to expand the participation of the faithful and make certain existing structures, which are not always utilized, more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
P. JOS\u00c9 SAN JOS\u00c9 PRISCO There is a legal obligation to promote the participation of the laity because it is the only way for everyone\u2019s shared mission to be realized, not just that of those of us who have been ordained.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most innovative proposals is to create the position of lay episcopal delegate. This person could assume certain responsibilities as assigned by the bishop, in areas similar to those of some diocesan vicars.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n P. JOS\u00c9 SAN JOS\u00c9 PRISCO To appoint episcopal delegates who would have functions similar to or parallel to those of vicars in the dioceses, obviously without the status of vicars. There may be laypeople who assume roles parallel to those of vicars, but the title we ultimately agreed best fits this role was \u201cepiscopal delegates.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n They perform a function delegated by the bishop and are also accountable to him.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The reform would also affect ecclesiastical courts. This would include directly appointing laypeople as judges, even in certain proceedings involving clergy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Canonical Commission<\/strong><\/a>, Synod<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Canonical Commission<\/strong><\/a>, Synod<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n