INDIANA
Today’s Catholic News
By Ann Carey
The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has several important committees and/or boards that assist Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades in keeping the diocese running smoothly. One of the most crucial boards is one that many people don’t know much about because it conducts its business quietly in order to safeguard the privacy of the people and issues it handles.
In 2005, the U.S. Bishops approved a “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” that directed the establishment of a National Review Board as well as review boards at the diocesan level. The diocesan level review board is charged with advising the local bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by a priest or deacon of the diocese and in his determinations of suitability for ministry. It also reviews diocesan policies for dealing with sexual abuse of minors.
The Review Board for this diocese meets twice a year. Bishop Rhoades also consults board members in between regular meeting when appropriate. As the national charter directs, the diocese’s Review Board is made up mostly of lay people who have a variety of expertise (see sidebar).
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