In the interest of transparency and providing members of the Diocese of Trenton a means of reporting concerns about the misuse of resources, a new financial and ethical misconduct reporting site has been set up by the Diocese of Trenton.
Created in December, the reporting tool is available via link at the bottom of the home page at dioceseoftrenton.org.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., announces the new site in a posted message, explaining that its implementation is consistent with the diocesan mission statement’s call to “reach out in love and service to all, ever striving to advance the cause of peace and justice in the Name of our Lord Jesus.”
Part of that mission, he continued, is “the active and vibrant participation of the laity in all aspects of the local Church,” including the need to “uphold responsible, ethical and transparent use of financial and other resources made possible through the generosity of the faithful for the work of the parish, school or other Church entity.”
The financial and ethical misconduct reporting site aims to encourage the Diocese’s efforts “to be transparent and forthright in all communications and activities in order to preserve integrity on every level of diocesan life,” the Bishop wrote, pointing out the Diocese’s system of policies and controls to ensure proper use of resources and responsible exercise of ministry.
“We look for these protective measures to be supported,” he continued, “through the willingness of parishioners, school families, Church employees, volunteers and others to ask for information when questions arise about financial and ethical conduct; share valid concerns with appropriate leaders; and report to the Diocese or another authorized party any complaints that are not sufficiently addressed at the local level.”
While stressing the site is not a place to report trivial grievances, emergencies or instances of child sexual abuse, it is a tool to allow employees and people of the Diocese “to confidentially report suspicion of financial or ethical malfeasance that would then allow for an independent inquiry,” Bishop O’Connell noted.
The tool, EthicsPoint, is owned and operated by NAVEX, an independent third-party company providing administration for the hotline. To go directly to the site, click HERE. Reports can be filed via the web by selecting an organization type and location or by calling one of EthicsPoint’s trained specialists at 844-796-1296.