CHARLOTTE — Rick Menze has served on the Diocese of Charlotte Review Board since 2009, and been chairman since 2012. The Catholic News Herald reached out to him last August seeking his point of view in light of the recent news of sexual abuse and misconduct in the Church:
CNH: Why is it important to have a Review Board with laity and others involved?
Menze: The laity on the Review Board offer a different, fresh perspective to often very difficult and troubling situations. And the laity are less likely to be affected by the friendships and loyalties that can exist among a group bound fraternally as our religious are.
CNH: What considerations does the board keep in mind when responding to an allegation and when advising the bishop on a course of action?
Menze: In considering each case, our biggest considerations are sensitivity to the needs of those who are suffering and fairness to all involved.
CNH: How has your service impacted your faith?
Menze: After reading much of the Pennsylvania grand jury report, I am sickened by the abuse that is documented and my heart literally breaks for those abused.
Having interviewed many victims, seen the pain in their eyes and learned, firsthand, how abuse has impacted their lives, I have a different, more visceral sense of the consequences of abuse than most. So, over time, I have learned to compartmentalize the evil represented by abusive behavior.
Moreover, service on the Review Board reminds me of so much good in our Church and the overwhelming majority of religious who have dedicated their lives to our God and who are, I feel unfairly, deemed by some as guilty by association.
CNH: What else would you like readers to know about the process of responding to abuse allegations in our diocese?
Menze: Several things: Firstly, it is important to know that the Review Board in our diocese functions independently. In almost 10 years of service, I have not felt one ounce of pressure from the Chancery regarding the way an incident is reviewed or a recommendation is rendered. “Respecting the Review Board’s independence” is a part of almost every conversation with the Chancery. Secondly, we believe the incidence of abuse has been reduced in our diocese since the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ directives were issued in 2002. Likely, this is true nationwide as well.
And finally, in my opinion, more needs to be done throughout the Church. Interesting, bishops were specifically excluded from the oversight established by the 2002 USCCB directives.
And recent events tell me that there is a lack of hierarchical discipline which must be corrected and institutional arrogance which must be eradicated throughout the Church before healing can truly occur.
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor
Did you know?
The Lay Review Board is volunteer consultative body who confidentially advises the bishop. Currently at eight members, it is mostly comprised of laypeople (but they cannot be diocesan employees). It includes a priest and a lawyer (but not the diocesan attorney), and an expert on the issue of child sexual abuse, typically a psychological counselor. Members serve five-year terms, which can be renewed by the bishop. Their role is to review allegations of abuse and to make recommendations to the bishop.
Current members of the Diocese of Charlotte Review Board
Rick Menze — Chairman
Mark Foster
Kathleen Gunderman
Diane Hoefling
Rich Hoefling
Benne Hutson
Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio
Tom Touchstone
David Harold — Diocese of Charlotte Victim Assistance Coordinator (ex officio)
Father Patrick Winslow — Diocese of Charlotte Promoter of Justice (ex officio)