The Tribunal is a group of specially qualified priests, sisters, and lay persons. Their responsibility is to come to the help of persons who are victims of unfortunate marriage situations.

When a divorce occurs, the Catholic Church is always caught between two tensions.  One is the unbreakableness of the bond of marriage.

Jesus said, "What God has joined, men must not divide."  This is God's law.  It cannot be broken by human intervention.

On the other hand, the Church must be concerned about the spiritual welfare of the people involved.  Can they be helped?  Was this a true marriage?  Even though the parties went through a Catholic marriage ceremony, was there some weakness in the consent of one or both of the parties involved?

The annulment procedure is designed to study the history of the marriage and why it failed.  It does not affix the blame.  If the marriage is found to be invalid, both parties are free.  

If you could be helped, or have a friend or acquaintance who might be helped, please suggest that the person call the Tribunal.  The Tribunal will be happy to forward an application.  Have no fear.  All interviews are private. There are no confrontations.  The Tribunal is located at  222 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.  (215) 587-3750.  E-mail tribunal@adphila.org.  For more information, please visit the Tribunal:  http://www2.netcom.com/-adphltrb.