General Summary of the Position

The Defender of the Bond plays a vital role in fulfilling the mission of the Tribunal for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas, primarily through the adjudication of marriage nullity cases and the resolution of canonical matters. This position ensures fidelity to Church teaching by upholding the presumption of the validity of marriage in accordance with Canon Law.

The Defender of the Bond role operates under the authority and guidelines as described in the 1983 Code of Canon Law (cc. 34, 157, 283, 1430-1436, 1599, 1671-1691) and in Dignitas Connubii (aa. 33, 35, 47, 53, 54, 56, 59, 60, 67, 70, 73, 81, 85, 113, 119, 126, 136, 159, 164, 169, 178, 180, 181, 186, 189, 201, 202, 240, 242, 243, 258, 264, 273, 276, 279, 283, 308) and in Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus, Procedural Rules, Articles 1-21.

The Defender of the Bond collaborates regularly with  the Judicial Vicar, Adjutant Judicial Vicars, Judges, other Defenders of the Bond, and Promoter of Justice in canonical matters, particularly in the adjudication of matrimonial cases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

• Provides continuing education to the Diocese in Canon Law and participates in ongoing training sessions for other Tribunal officials.
• Serves on committees and boards such as the Canonical Affairs Committee when invited.
• Reviews and ensures that canonical procedures used in the adjudication of nullity cases align with the Code of Canon Law and Dignitas Connubii.
• Reviews the law sections used in nullity cases to be sure they are in conformity with current canonical thinking as expressed by the Pope, particularly in his Rotal Allocutions, and by the Rota in its decisions and by the Apostolic Signatura in its communications and decisions.
• Offers guidance and training to clergy, procurator-advocates and other Diocesan personnel regarding canonical procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Ministerial Responsibilities:

• Upholds the presumption of the validity of marriage in all assigned matrimonial nullity cases. Reviews and evaluates each case assigned, advocating for the validity of the marriage through written briefs and canonical arguments. Prepares and submits a comprehensive Defender’s Brief in each case, citing any element that supports the validity of the union.
• Carefully reviews the proofs submitted, including expert testimony, and highlights any relevant canonical and factual details that support the bond, in keeping with DC aa. 178 and 180.
• Participates actively throughout the nullity process,  especially at key stages such as: the acceptance of the libellus, the formulation of the doubt, at the publication of the Acta, pronouncement of the sentence in First Instance, and at the Second Instance appeal. 

Position Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Licentiate in Canon Law (JCL) from a Pontifical Faculty of Canon Law is required.     
• Previous experience working in a diocesan Chancery or Tribunal department.
• Stays abreast of current canonical literature in regard, particularly, to marriage nullity cases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Previous experience in Tribunal work.
• Strong integrity, discretion, and professionalism. Analytical thinking, sound judgment, and attention to detail. Proven negotiation and Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Tribunal personnel. Strong organizational and administrative skills.

Special Requirements:

• Member of the Canon Law Society of America (CLSA)
• Practicing Catholic in Good Standing

•  
• Willingness to work flexible hours and locations, including off-site, as needed to meet responsibilities.

Physical Requirements Specific to the Job:

• N/A

DO NOT REMOVE

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of the position may be changed at the sole discretion of the Diocese of Dallas – Pastoral Center.

The Diocese of Dallas – Pastoral Center reserves the right to modify this job description without notice to the employee. This job description is not a contract and does not alter the employee’s at-will employment status.