Albany's relationship to New York Archdiocese

Canon 431 reads: "Neighboring particular Churches are to be grouped into ecclesiastical provinces, with a certain defined territory....to promote a common pastoral action of various neighbouring dioceses, and the more closely to foster relations between diocesan Bishops."

In addition, "the provincial council and the Metropolitan have authority over the ecclesiastical province, in accordance with the law."

Another canon explains that provinces are "presided over by a Metropolitan, who is Archbishop in his own diocese. The office of Metropolitan is linked to an episcopal see, determined or approved by the Roman Pontiff."

Cardinal O'Connor, in other words, was head of the New York Province, which includes the Diocese of Albany and all dioceses in New York state.

Rev. David Berberian, a judge from the Albany diocesan tribunal, said that these canons are "an ecclesiastical way of dividing up territory. Each bishop is the vicar of Christ in his own diocese; this is more of a coordinating structure than anything else. Provinces can make rulings or a set of guidelines that will be followed throughout the province. They can vote, and our [New York Province] bishops do that in their public policy statements." (PQ)

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