Review Board and Ministerial Conduct Board
Diocesan Review Board
In 2002, the USCCB promulgated the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
Under the Charter, dioceses are required to form a review board to provide objective counsel when there is an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The review board is a consulting body that advises the bishop on the assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to help in the determination as to whether a priest or deacon accused of abuse is suitable for ministry.
The diocesan review board is not an alternative to law enforcement, or replacement for any criminal legal proceeding. Whenever there is an allegation of childhood sexual abuse, it is reported to law enforcement first.
The review board has one member who is a diocesan priest, but to assure independence, the Charter requires that the majority of its members are to be lay persons not employed by the diocese. It also must have at least one member who has expertise in the treatment of sexual abuse of minors.
Diocesan Ministerial Conduct Board
The Ministerial Conduct Board for the Diocese of Lincoln was established by Bishop James Conley to serve him while he is the Bishop of Lincoln. The Ministerial Conduct Board was created to serve as a resource to the bishop in addressing various conduct matters that fall outside of the scope of the Diocesan Review Board. It functions as a consultative, advisory body to the bishop. Members serving on the MCB may also be members of the Review Board.
Current Members of the Diocesan Review Board and Ministerial Conduct Board
Mrs. Valerie Able, Former Principal, Lourdes Catholic Schools
Ms. Holly Burns, Mental Health Counselor
Mr. John Colborn, Retired District Court Judge
Mr. Bill Jarrett, Former Lancaster County Sheriff Chief Deputy
Fr. Matthew Zimmer, Pastor, Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish, Valparaiso
