The Reporting Process

We understand that this process itself may be a source of anxiety for anyone who enters it. What follows will be a general description of what one may expect. Please understand, though, that no two cases are alike, so variations should be anticipated and bear no significance.

Once you take the important first step of reaching out to one of our intake officers, you will work with him or her to determine a mutually agreeable time to meet. Every effort will be made to arrange for the meeting to occur as soon as possible and certainly at your convenience.

The intake officer may make a suggestion as to possible meeting locations. You are perfectly welcome to make suggestions of your own. The important thing is that you feel safe and comfortable wherever you meet.

For the meeting itself, you should plan to allow several hours to tell your story and to allow for any follow-up questions. You are invited to have a trusted person accompany you, if you like.

Once you make your report, there will be a period of waiting while the process continues. Please be aware that the entire process is a matter of months, not days or weeks. We hope this knowledge prepares you for the thorough and deliberate reporting process and that its length does not deter you. We would rather handle things carefully than rush through this important work.

As you wait for the intake officers to do their work, you will be assigned a chaplain/adviser to journey with you through this process. That assignment usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, the intake officer is your main point of contact.

While you are waiting, this may be a time to take care of yourself. This is generally a difficult and emotional period for any complainant; consequently, it is helpful to have a strong support system. Take some time to shore that up. Be willing to let family and close friends know that you need support and allow them the opportunity to help and to comfort you.

We understand that you may currently be experiencing a profound lack of trust in the church, clergy and church leaders. We encourage you to seek the professional services of a therapist, counselor or spiritual adviser. If you do seek the support of counselors and spiritual directors, please understand that this is entirely independent of the church and the reporting process; you will still need to speak with one of the above-mentioned intake officers in order to start the formal complaint process.

Misconduct Prevention Training

The Diocese also provides an online course that teaches church leaders how to prevent misconduct. Learn more about that program: Safe Church Safe Communities Training.

Confidentiality

The confidentiality of the complainant, the accused and all other parties will be observed, provided it does not impede the diocese’s ability to investigate or take corrective action. All reports will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.