Mailing address:
P. O. Box 2028
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028
Physical address:
Catholic Life Center
1800 South Acadian Thruway
Baton Rouge, LA 70808-1663
Telephone: 225-336-8755
FAX: 225-242-0229
Email: tribunal@diobr.org
The Diocesan Tribunal assists the Bishop: as the shepherd of the local Church entrusted to his care, he has a mission to teach, govern, and sanctify the people of the diocese. The Tribunal helps with judicial and other canonical aspects of this ministry. In so doing the Tribunal advances "the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law of the Church" (cf. Code of Canon Law, can. 1752).
In adjudicating canonical matters brought before it – principally decisions regarding matrimonial cases – the Tribunal is comprised of the Bishop assisted by the Judicial Vicar, the other appointed Judges and officials, as well as a staff of assessors, ecclesiastical notaries, and experts in the behavioral sciences.
Persons interested in clarifying their status in the Church following upon the breakdown of a marriage and divorce should – before seeking any new romantic relationship – approach their local Parish or another case sponsor to begin the Tribunal's evaluative process.
Dr. M. Bernard Atkinson, Ph.D.
Mrs. Carol Waguespack, L.P.C.