Mediation and Arbitration

Conflict may be painful, but it is natural ... even for the Church.

Jesus told us: “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) While, surely all of us try to follow this command, human nature too often leads us to failure in this area. We want to be peacemakers, but we get annoyed with one another and upset by them. We have disagreements and, even in the Church, we have conflict.

Conflict allows us the opportunity for growth and development; if we deal with it in an open, and accepting manner. Some people tend to shy away from conflict and to avoid dealing with problems. Others tend to attack or blame the offending party. When this happens, more pain is inflicted on the injured party and on ourselves, and we do not allow the opportunity for growth or reconciliation within the community.

Most of the time we are able to overcome conflicts with others by hard work, collaboration and remembering Our Lord’s words. Nonetheless, there are times when all of our hard work and prayer do not bring the resolution and conciliation we seek. The assistance of others may be necessary as we are told in Matthew 18:15-17.

How does mediation work?

Mediation is a process of voluntary, cooperative dispute resolution whereby a trained professional assists parties in reaching a solution for their conflict. Focus is on the problem at hand, not the individual. Mediation empowers dignity and respect of persons. The burden and the reward of the resolution of the conflict resides within the parties themselves; not the mediator.

• · Mediation provides the opportunity to work together with our brothers and sisters in a respectful, conciliatory manner which will allow benefits to come to the entire community.
• · Mediation allows more creativity in solving a dispute than relying on the arbitrary outcome of litigation.
• · Mediation allows people to move toward community and gives the opportunity for a long-lasting solution to conflicts.
• · Mediation helps focus on the individuals in a dispute not just the conflicting positions.

• Why Canon Law Professionals?

Canon Law Professionals offers trained mediators for resolving many types of disputes that arise within the Church. While there are many good intentioned, well trained mediators available in most communities, Canon Law Professionals offers the additional facet of those who have worked with and for the Catholic Church. We bring a respectful, canonical perspective and an understanding of the unique concerns and conflict issues of the Catholic Church.

• · We bring a Catholic perspective and understanding to bear upon the process in order to assist in healing wounds caused by conflict.

• Canon Law Professionals offers neutral facilitators and consultants to help groups, such as parish councils, deal with difficult issues.

• · We assist congregations that have become fractionalized, and we provide workshops and seminars to help communities deal more effectively with future conflicts.
• · We facilitate meetings and gatherings so that the objectives of the conveners are completed in the most efficient manner possible.
• · We help in planning and goal setting.

• Who could benefit from mediation?

Individuals – Differences between individuals can grow to include the entire community. Mediation helps individuals resolve their disputes. Individuals are empowered to make their own decisions before the conflict grows.

Small group communities – Differences among groups of people can tend to grow into unmanageable situations as individual concerns move the group. Mediation helps groups focus on the issues at hand and helps them come to an agreed upon solution.

The Church – When large groups get together, unchecked or undirected differences can escalate into division and splintering which fragment a congregation. Mediation helps the community identify their needs and brings about workable solutions, consensus and healing.