Oriental Canon Law (J.C.D.)

Program Overview

The Doctor of Canon Law (J.C.D.) in Oriental Canon Law studies the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and the distinct legal traditions of the Eastern Catholic churches. The Eastern code is not a variant of the Latin one. It presumes a different ecclesiology — patriarchal and major archiepiscopal churches, synodal governance, a proper liturgical and disciplinary heritage — and a canonist who reads it through Latin assumptions will misread it. Students work through the CCEO: the structure of the sui iuris churches, the competences of patriarchs, major archbishops, metropolitans, and their synods; ascription to a church sui iuris and its canonical consequences; the sacraments of initiation administered together; the proper law of marriage, including the requirement of the sacred rite; clerical discipline, including married clergy; monasticism and other institutes of consecrated life in the Eastern tradition; penal law and procedures; and the relations between Eastern and Latin jurisdictions in the diaspora. Attention is given to the pastoral reality of Eastern Catholic communities living outside their traditional territories, where questions of ascription, jurisdiction, and liturgical integrity arise constantly. Graduates serve eparchial curias and tribunals, advise Eastern Catholic communities in the diaspora, teach Eastern canon law, and assist Latin dioceses whose territories include Eastern faithful. The dissertation ordinarily addresses a live diaspora or inter-ritual question.

Core Courses

• JCD 801 — Introduction to the CCEO and Eastern Ecclesiology (6 credits)
• JCD 812 — Churches Sui Iuris, Hierarchs, and Synods (6 credits)
• JCD 824 — Ascription, Sacraments, and Divine Worship (6 credits)
• JCD 836 — Eastern Marriage Law (6 credits)
• JCD 848 — Clergy, Monasticism, and Penal Discipline (5 credits)
• JCD 860 — Doctoral Research Design in Canon Law (4 credits)
• JCD 899 — Doctoral Dissertation in Oriental Canon Law (24 credits)

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree or ecclesiastical licentiate in canon law, theology, ministry, or law
• Experience in tribunal, chancery, diocesan, religious institute, or church governance work
• Statement of purpose describing canonical interests and intended service to the church
• Reading ability in Latin, or willingness to develop it during the program
• Current curriculum vitae or ministry profile
• Official transcripts from prior institutions when available
• Writing sample, canonical opinion, or research paper when requested