In accordance with the laws of the Catholic Church, the Seattle Metropolitan Tribunal provides pastoral care to Catholics, and to non-Catholics who approach the Church, by hearing and responding to their petitions and questions. It does so by examining and adjudicating questions involving the status of persons and the protection of rights. The Tribunal primarily addresses the marital status of persons and their freedom to marry in the Catholic Church. The Judicial Vicar and other canon lawyers working with the Tribunal also provide canonical resources and consultation to the archbishop, central agencies, parishes, and the Catholic faithful.