October 14, 2002 Diocese of Saint Cloud announces new Review Board to oversee implementation of policies and procedures pertaining to sexual misconduct (ST. CLOUD) The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Cloud today announced the formation of a Diocesan Review Board that will assist the diocese in implementing the Charter for The Protection of Children & Young People approved by the U.S. Catholic bishops during their June meeting in Dallas. The board consists of a majority of lay persons (non-clergy) not employed by the diocese, and includes both Catholics and non-Catholics. As called for by the Charter, the board will assist Saint Cloud Bishop John F. Kinney in assessing allegations against and fitness for ministry of accused clergy, and will regularly review the Saint Cloud Diocese's policies and procedures for dealing with sexual abuse of minors. The Charter indicates that the board can act both retrospectively and prospectively on these matters and give advice on all aspects of responses required in connection with sex abuse cases. "Our board's primary concern is for the survivors of sexual abuse, and doing everything possible to make sure no one else is victimized," said Diocesan Review Board chairperson, Mel Euteneuer (EY-ten-ow-uhr) of Little Falls. "This board is not just for appearances. We will actively fulfill our charge to help Bishop Kinney implement the Charter, and hold the diocese publicly accountable for protecting children and young people." The following people have agreed to serve on the Diocesan Review Board: • (Chair) A retired Catholic hospital and health care system executive • A survivor of clergy abuse who is a victim/survivor support advocate • A Catholic lay person involved in parish and community leadership • An area police chief who is also an ELCA Lutheran • A licensed independent clinical social worker highly experienced in county child protection organization • A battered women's task force executive, and trained victim advocate with a degree in psychology • A licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, and trained mediator with extensive experience administering youth services and youth counseling programs • A Lutheran minister • A Catholic priest as clergy representative • The Vicar General of the Diocese of Saint Cloud The diocese may add members to strengthen the board's balance of expertise and diversity. While the Diocese of Saint Cloud has had in place since 1991 strong policies, procedures and outreach to address sexual misconduct, the new Diocesan Review Board board has initiated thorough reviews of: • The people and resources offered to help and support victims of abuse • The steps taken in responding to allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct • A new and strengthened version of the diocese's sexual misconduct policy • Ways to improve abuse prevention through strengthened education and faith formation for everyone about healthy human sexuality and boundaries • Background checks and screenings for diocesan and parish personnel "I want this board to hold the Diocese of Saint Cloud's feet to the fire for implementing the Charter, responding with care and concern for victims, and doing everything we can to protect the young and the vulnerable," said Bishop Kinney who renewed his call for "anyone who has been a victim of abuse to come forward so that we can begin the process of justice and healing." The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Cloud encompasses 12,251 square miles in 16 counties of central Minnesota, including 138 parishes with a combined Catholic population of more than 150,000. © 2002 Diocese of St. Cloud. All rights reserved. Click here for more information about the Church's response to clergy sexual misconduct.