Tim Peeters new officialis Interdiocesan Tribunal of First Instance
Our sincere congratulations to Tim Peeters, guest professor at our faculty!
Canon Tim Peeters has been appointed by the Flemish bishops as Judicial Vicar of the Interdiocesan Tribunal of First Instance.
The Flemish bishops have appointed Canon Tim Peeters, a priest of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels, as the new Officialis (Judicial Vicar) of the Interdiocesan Tribunal of First Instance. As of 1 July 2025, he will succeed Canon Joris De Jonghe, a priest of the Diocese of Ghent.
The Interdiocesan Tribunal of First Instance was established in 2004 by the Belgian Bishops’ Conference. It handles all cases submitted from the Flemish dioceses and from the Dutch-speaking vicariates of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels. The ecclesiastical court investigates cases of possible marriage nullity and issues judgments on these matters.
Alongside the appointment of Canon Tim Peeters, several other appointments for the Interdiocesan Tribunals of First and Second Instance were also published. Click here for the full overview. These appointments are for a term of five years, commencing on 1 July 2025.
Doctoral Defence
In October 2024, two doctoral students successfully defended their dissertations in canon law.
Stanley James earned his doctorate with research focused on the canon law regarding the remuneration and support of clerics, particularly addressing those deemed unassignable or unsuitable for the ecclesiastical office. Patrick James Mullins received his doctorate for his dissertation evaluating the effectiveness of the VELM norms, which aim to prevent bishops from failing to enforce canonical penal procedural law in cases of clerical child sexual abuse.
Congratulations to both newly minted doctors!
Solemn Proclamation
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, the Solemn Proclamation ceremony was held to honor the graduates of the academic year 2023-2024.
Congratulations to all the graduates!
Eucharistic celebration led by Pope Francis at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels
From 26 to 29 September 2024, Pope Francis visited our country. Following this, our dean, Prof. Dr. Hildegard Warnink, shared a brief reflection. Read it here.