Presenters

Barbara Anne Cusack

Barbara Anne Cusack, J.C.D., attended Rosemont and Mundelein Colleges, Saint Louis University, and George Washington University, and received her doctorate in canon law at the Catholic University of America. She was a judge on the tribunal of the archdiocese of Chicago, an Appellate Court judge in the state of Illinois, and associate chancellor, now chancellor, of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

She taught canon law at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee and in the School of Canon Law at CUA. She is an active member of the Canon Law Society of America to whose journals she has contributed many articles. Her most recent article is “The Diocesan Synod” in The Jurist 63 (2004) 70-84. She has spoken in dioceses across the country on topics connected with the life of local churches.

"Structuring the Relationship Between The Laity and the Bishop: Roots in the Council and Canon Law"

Contrary to some common perceptions, canon law’s major contribution to the Church is not in the realm of restrictions, requirements, and rebukes. Referred to by some as “structural theology,” canon law can contribute to the life of the Church by making things possible! This presentation will explore the role of law in the ecclesial community especially as it allows for diversity while promoting unity and structures relationships between the Christian faithful and their Church leaders.

Colloquium paper