Within the Department of Canonical Services, the Metropolitan Tribunal exercises the Archbishop's judicial authority in ministering to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. It serves as the tribunal of first instance for western Oregon and, temporarily, is serving as the tribunal of first instance for the Diocese of Baker, covering the rest of the state of Oregon. It acts as tribunal of second instance for cases appealed to the Metropolitan See from the suffragan dioceses of Boise, Helena, and Great Falls-Billings.
In marriage nullity cases (commonly called annulments), the officials of the Tribunal serve as ministers of justice in truth, love, and mercy to help assure that, in concrete cases, the provisions of canon law are implemented correctly and equitably, protecting rights as well as determining the status of persons in the Church.
