Diocese of Saskatoon updates conduct, allegation policies

After about a year and a half of work, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon has released its updated policies.

It makes changes to the Covenant of Care, allegations of serious misconduct protocol and code of conduct for people working or volunteering within the church.

“No matter if they’re a clergy person or volunteer or paid staff member of a parish, they are expected to abide by and be held accountable to (codes of conduct),” Covenant of Care Chair Brenda FitzGerald said.

She said the updates are in keeping with calls from the national archdiocese and the Vatican.

The diocese has added two new positions to help if someone comes forward with sexual assault or misconduct allegations, according to FitzGerald.

An intake officer will receive any allegation.

“The person that we’ve put forward in that role is a professional, a clinician who comes with a background and expertise in working with people who have suffered trauma,” she explained.

Someone outside of the church organization will fill the role of serious misconduct investigator when needed as well.

FitzGerald believes these new positions could create greater confidence in someone who may want to come forward with concerns or complaints.

“There will be a transparent, quality investigative process,” she said.

The updates are all about ensuring safe environments within the church, FitzGerald explained.

Information about the updates was released publicly over the Canada Day long weekend, but FitzGerald said the church had already started implementing them beforehand.