Austin Diocese Canon Lawyer Named Consultant on Canonical Issues Related to Sexual Abuse by Clergy
WASHINGTON (April 15, 2003) -- Father Ronny E. Jenkins, a priest of the Diocese of Austin, Texas, and an Assistant Professor of Canon Law at The Catholic University of America, has been named a consultant to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in dealing with the issue of sexual abuse by clergy.
Father Jenkins, who will begin his consultancy April 21, will work with the USCCB General Secretariat in implementing the Motu Proprio Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela. The Vatican document outlines canonical issues related to disciplinary action against serious breeches of church law, including sexual abuse.
Father Jenkins holds a doctorate in canon law from Catholic University, where he also earned his licentiate in canon law. He previously earned a licentiate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, and a Master of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of Dallas.
He has worked in tribunals in the Austin Diocese and Archdiocese for Military Services, USA and has lectured in canon law at the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio.
Father Jenkins is Co-Editor of the Canon Law Digest and a member of the Canon Law Society of America, the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland, and the International Society for the Promotion of the Study of Canon Law.