Caribbean canon lawyers consider AI at annual convention

The Antilles Canon Law Society (ACLS) held its annual convention from September 8 to 10. The convention was held online, following a proposal from the Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), to alternate between a physical and an online meeting.

The proposal from the Bishops was warmly welcomed by the executive of the ACLS since this would greatly save on the costs of having a physical meeting every year in one of the dioceses of the AEC, which involves the costs of travelling and accommodation for the participants.

The overall theme of the convention this year was Synodality and the Application of Justice—The Path Forward. This theme was chosen in line with the current ongoing process of implementing synodality in all aspects of the life of the Church, so too in the application of justice and in the workings of our ecclesiastical tribunals.

The convention started with a presentation from the General Secretary of the AEC, Fr Donald Chambers, who reflected on the recent ad limina visit of the AEC bishops, how synodality was experienced and/or addressed during that visit, and how synodality applies to the administrative processes in the dioceses of the Antilles.

His presentation was followed by a presentation of two ACLS members, who are both working in the tribunal of the Eastern Caribbean: Cassandra Leben and Peta-Gay Lee-Brace. As lay persons, they shared their own experiences with synodality while working in the tribunal.

The topic of lay persons working in tribunals was further explored on day two of the convention and a presentation was given by Dr Niels Maris, a professor of canon law at the University of Leuven (Belgium).

He delved into the topic of lay participation in ecclesiastical tribunals and how it affects justice and mercy in the life of the Church, followed by a lively online discussion.

On the final day, the convention took a deeper look at artificial intelligence and what impact it can have on the administration of justice. This topic was chosen in light of the recent encyclical of Pope Leo XIV on the topic of AI: Magnifica Humanitas.

The presentation was done by Deacon Richard Mills from the Diocese of Clifton (Bristol, UK), who recently completed his studies at the University of Leuven and was awarded the title JCL. It was another interesting presentation that evoked many responses.

At the end of the day, all participants felt that this topic needed further exploration and the executive is looking at the possibility of continuing at the next convention.

Preparations are now underway for the 2027 convention, which will once again be held as a physical meeting. The venue of next year’s convention will soon be announced.