Archdiocese of Anchorage's Speaker Vetting Policy

The Archdiocese of Anchorage has  published their vetting criteria/process for speakers and those "serving" in the diocese. This is a very contentious policy amongst the lay and even some clergy. The reason it is contentious is because of how difficult it makes it for groups and parishes to bring speakers in. It also has some procedural flaws. On top of that, many wonder why the Archdiocese has felt the need to publish this when, the Bishop has the power to say who can and can't come to their diocese at any time. In other words, why make such a rule or process... when there was something already in place to do the same thing?

What this does is create "conspiracy" theories and makes people start to worry what the "real" reason behind the policy is. Personally, I have been told that there have been some problems in the past, where some questionable folks have been brought into speak. Because there are a lot of "lay lead" parishes in the Archdiocese, I am sure the Bishop just wants to let people know that when it comes to the moral and theological teaching of the "flock" he intends to closely guard their souls. This is a good thing... hopefully this policy will be a force to safeguard that, and not a procedural mechanism to forward an agenda or prevent a certain type of speaker to come to the Archdiocese.
One final note: I think that the policy on its face is good. But in the larger context it is worrisome. There have been a lot of problems in the diocese in the past regarding the restrictions on lay apostolates. Myself and others have talked about this policy in the past, and we have all wondered if this will end up pushing apostolates from the parishes and forcing them to become "independent." I know that this type of speculation seems very anti-institutional from the outside, but as I come to learn more about how things operate, especially in the realm of apostolates and local parishes, I worry that this policy will be more of hindrance to the faith, than a protection. I know firsthand how at my parish, the "Theology and Brew" apostolate essentially had to fold, because of this policy and the way in which it was "used." Hopefully, there will be clarity in regards to this issue in the future.

The article from the Archdiocesan paper is below with my emphasis and comments.

Vetting policy established for speakers in Anchorage Archdiocese
By PATRICIA COLL FREEMAN
Catholicanchor.org

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has established a policy to vet outside clergy and lay persons before they are invited to speak or serve in the Archdiocese of Anchorage. [Not sure what they mean by serve, a tad ambiguous.]

The policy, which took effect earlier this year, requires the archdiocese’s parishes, organizations, schools, ministries and agencies to obtain clearance from the archbishop’s office before any person not affiliated with the Anchorage Archdiocese may “speak or serve in any capacity” within the archdiocese. [Again, ambiguous. I think if there wasn't the problematic track record in the past with speakers and persons involved in the AOA, this wouldn't be as concerning.]

The policy applies to speakers who would address “any aspect of the Sacred Sciences, church teaching or the life of the church.”


In addition, it applies to speakers sponsored by private groups using or renting church property. [This is a good thing! This is part of the policy that makes me quite happy.]

“As archbishop, I take my role as chief teacher and shepherd very seriously,” Archbishop Schwietz commented in a note on the new policy. [Good!]

The vetting policy, he explained, “assures the people of our archdiocese that those who speak or serve publicly teach in a manner consistent with the church.” [This statement will either be a blessing or a curse, let us hope that it is the former!]

A memo on the new policy was sent to the archdiocese’s pastors and priests, deacons, school principals and directors of ministries and agencies, including Catholic Social Services. According to the memo, the goals of the vetting process are to “ensure fidelity to church teaching and to obtain the required background reviews done on all those engaged in ministry.”


According to the policy, a sponsoring organization must submit a “ministry clearance request” and receive written permission from the archbishop’s office before a speaker or “ministry assistant” is invited into any of the archdiocese’s venues.


In a confidential process, the sponsoring group must provide detailed information about the prospective speaker or ministry provider, such as the topic of the presentation or purpose of the proposed event.


In the clearance form for laity, one question asks, “How will this person promote communion with the Universal Church and vision of the Archbishop?”


The policy includes a strong warning that if a person is invited before the letter of permission is received, the request for clearance will not be considered.


Completing a clearance process is expected to take at least eight weeks. [This seems to be a LONG process, I have also been told that even INQUIRY, not just invitation is a reason for denial of a speaker. This will make things more difficult to bring in "big names" but it safeguards, then good.... right?]

For more information, contact Father Steven Moore at stbenpastor@gmail.com or 297-7722.

In the end I am sure that this policy will be used to keep the rif-raff out, and bring the good folks in. As I said, I have no issue with a Bishop guarding his flock, in fact I applaud it. Unfortunately though, I have already seen this policy used in a way which prevented a good group of faithful Catholics from running their apostolate. Let us pray that this will be an instrument of unity and good.