Review Board/Ministerial Conduct Board

The mission of the Review Board is to assist the archbishop in his responsibilities for the protection of youth. The board is charged with advising him in handling allegations of sexual abuse, the prevention of further abuse, the healing of all those who have been injured and the recreation of a sense of trust among the faithful and larger community. The Ministerial Conduct Board serves the archbishop who refers alleged clergy misconduct concerns, not involving minors or vulnerable adults, for consideration.

History

The Review Board for the Archdiocese of Omaha was established in January of 2003 by Archbishop Elden Curtiss in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ approval of two documents, “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” (June, 2002) and “The Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons,” (December, 2002).

General Responsibility

The Review Board is responsible to the archbishop in providing consultation to him in his service to those have been injured by sexual abuse, the alleged offenders, and the people of the archdiocese. The general responsibilities of the board are to:

  • provide consultation to the Archbishop in his assessment of the validity of allegations of sexual abuse of minors;
  • review the Archdiocesan Policy for the Protection of Minors to assure compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms;
  • assist the archbishop in the oversight of the victim assistance position;
  • provide consultation to the archbishop regarding an offender’s suitability for ministry;
  • review with the archbishop all programs, policies and procedures that relate to the charter within the archdiocese;
  • offer advice on all aspects of cases of sexual abuse of minors, whether retrospectively or prospectively.