Diocesan Review Board

Following the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the diocese has an established Review Board, a confidential, consultative body whose primary purpose is to assist the diocesan Bishop in deciding of a cleric’s suitability for ministry upon receipt of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, young person, or vulnerable adult.  

The Review Board does not investigate the credibility of an allegation if the accused priest or religious is deceased as no action can be taken in terms of that cleric’s suitability for continued ministry.  

The Review Board is convened following notification to the appropriate civil authority and after the diocese is advised that civil authorities will take no further action.

DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• The Board shall consist of at least five individuals of exceptional integrity and sound judgment, all in full communion with the Church.

• A majority of the members must be laypersons who are not employed by the Diocese. 

• At least one member should be an experienced and respected pastor within the Diocese.

• At least one member must have specialized expertise in the treatment of sexual abuse of minors.

• Members are appointed in writing by the Diocesan Bishop for a five-year term, which may be renewed for an additional five years. The Board will meet at least once annually, or more frequently as needed.

All discussions and information shared with the Board will be kept confidential.

DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD FUNCTIONS

• The Board is responsible for evaluating allegations of sexual abuse involving minors, young people, and vulnerable adults by priests and deacons under the Diocese's authority. It will provide guidance to the Diocesan Bishop regarding the credibility of these allegations and assess whether they meet the definition of sexual abuse as outlined in the Child and Youth Protection Policy.

• The Board will also offer counsel to the Diocesan Bishop in determining the suitability for ministry on a case-by-case basis.
  
  

In every case of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon in active ministry, the Diocesan Review Board will:

• Assess whether the allegation is credible and falls within the definition of sexual abuse as outlined in the Child and Youth Protection Policy. If so, the Review Board will recommend to the Bishop whether the individual suspected of abuse should be removed from or continue on leave from any ecclesiastical ministry or function.

• Determine if the allegations are not credible or do not meet the definition of sexual abuse as defined in the Child and Youth Protection Policy. If the Review Board has concerns despite this conclusion, the Diocesan Bishop will decide the appropriate course of action and determine the disposition of the accused.

The Diocesan Review Board’s deliberations will be confidential, and no detailed minutes will be recorded or maintained.

The Diocesan Bishop will forward all credible allegations to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which may refer the case to a church tribunal or retain the case for further action to determine the future of the accused. Clergy found to have a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor will be placed on the List of Clergy with Credible Allegations.

Diocesan Review Board Criteria for Assessing Sexual Abuse Allegations

List of Clergy with Credible Allegations