The following is an excerpt from Msgr Palud’s first correspondence to the members of the Society:
We have many challenges to meet. I would envision our Canon Law Society as also being a ‘think tank’ of things canonical to better serve the local Church and the Bishops of our region. Articles and canonical issues will need to be written, ideas exchanged for our Society to have an impact.
A few years ago we had Mitis Judex come out with the challenges it brought. Now we have an almost completely revamped Penal Code which our dear Pope Francis has just published. This will certainly affect the way the bishops of the world will have to deal with certain issues. Whilst our role as Tribunal personnel is important, we MUST be at the forefront of things in this new area! It will take time and effort.
As time goes on, it would be great if all the Bishops of our AEC region had the ‘reflex’ so to speak to turn to our ACLS as the locus to get help and advice.