Mediation
Respect for a person’s dignity and rights is a fundamental concern of the Catholic Church. Rights are protected in many ways. Indirectly, they are protected by education, growth of moral consciousness, development of character. Directly, they are protected by law. The Church provides various means to protect an individual rights and to resolve disputes that may arise. Through the Ministry of Canonical Services, the Diocese of Shreveport offers its services in providing for the just resolution of such dispute.
Who has the right to Mediation, Conciliation and Arbitration?
Any person, Catholic or not, who suspects a violation of his or her rights or who suffers a grievance from a member or representative of the Catholic Church has recourse and relief available through the Ministry of Canonical Services of Shreveport.
The following are allowable disputes in the Diocese of Shreveport:
Disputes between a person and a parochial or diocesan administrator or administrative body within the Diocese of Shreveport, where it is contended that an act or decision (including administrative sanctions and disciplinary actions) has violated a right recognized as such in the law of the Church or in the documents of the magesterium.
OR
Disputes between a person and a parochial or diocesan administrator of administrative body within the Diocese of Shreveport where it is contended that failure to act or failure to make a decision has violated a right recognized as such in the law of the Church or in the documents of the magisterium.
How Can You Seek Representation?
Contact a representative of the Ministry of Canonical Services of the Diocese of Shreveport. This individual will help you determine the nature of the dispute and the possible avenues of recourse. This assistance will be available to you throughout the case.
***REMEMBER***
Before allowing differences to become formalized into grievances, every effort should be made, at the local level, to resolve disputes in free and open discussion between the two disputing parties.