About Us

We are legal professionals and professional mediators who have extensive knowledge of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and are experienced in representing  Bishops, Priests and Vestries.  Our services include the review of Clergy Letters of Agreement, conflict resolution, and the representation of Members of the Clergy charged with canonical offenses under Title IV.  We have represented Bishops, Priests and Vestries throughout the Episcopal Church.  We have also represented numerous Members of the Clergy in matters of Ecclesiastical Discipline, including both Priests and Bishops.  We successfully defended The Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong in 1988 (dismissed by Board of Inquiry) and The Rt. Rev. Walter Righter in the heresy case, Stanton v. Righter, Court for the Trial of a Bishop (Acquitted, 1996).

With respect to Ecclesiastical Discipline under Title IV, we at CanonLawyer, Inc. are prepared to represent Clergy at every stage of the disciplinary process.  In addition, we will accept appointment by Bishops as Conciliators.   The procedures under Title IV are complex, and the potential consequences are serious.  No Member of the Clergy should ever face a proceeding under Title IV without adequate, experienced and knowledgeable representation.

We can also assist Bishops, Priests and Vestries with respect to Reconciliation of Disagreements Affecting the Pastoral Relation under Title III.   We can act as consultants and advisors to Rectors or Vestries in the reconciliation process, and, as experienced mediators, we will accept appointment by Bishops as Mediators and Consultants in that process, and when necessary, in the Dissolution of the Pastoral Relation.