The Tribunal ministry is one part of the Church’s effort to offer healing and hope for the victims of broken marriages. The Tribunal investigates cases of marital failure to determine whether parties in certain instances may be free to remarry.

 

It draws upon both traditional sources of understanding what constitutes a true marriage according to divine law and Catholic faith, as well as the insights of contemporary psychology and sociology into the interpersonal elements of the marriage partnership. Faithful to Catholic tradition, it maintains the Gospel's prohibition of arbitrary and unwarranted divorce while at the same time sustaining the basic right of individuals to enter a true marital union, a partnership of the whole of life, and recognizing the obstacles that sometimes prevent such a partnership from coming into being.

 

In the Diocese of Yakima, this ministry, entrusted to the bishop in his role as chief Shepherd and Judge of the people entrusted to his care, is delegated to the Tribunal.  This office are staffed by priests, deacons, religious and lay persons trained in Canon Law, together with their support staff.

 

After reviewing the content of this site, if we can be of further assistance, please contact us at the office of the Tribunal at the Diocese of Yakima Pastoral Center at Toll-free 1-800-505-6610 or 509-965-7123.

 

Office of Canonical Concerns

5301 Tieton Drive Suite D

Yakima, WA 98908

Fax: 509-965-9435