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DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN
DIOCESAN POLICY FOR A SPEAKER ON ANY RELIGIOUS TOPIC
OR FOR SOMEONE WHO IS CONDUCTING SPIRITUAL SERVICES

The Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown is the chief teacher of all the Christian faithful entrusted to his care. Ordained to the fullness of the Office of Teacher, he has the primary responsibility to present and explain the truths of the faith, which are to be believed and applied to moral issues. Priests and Deacons who are cooperators with the Bishop also exercise this ministry of the Word in union with their Bishop. Qualified laity by virtue of their baptism and particular expertise also participate in the Church’s work of teaching and preaching.

In order to assure that the true Catholic faith is taught genuinely and truly nourishes the spiritual lives of the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Allentown, these guidelines are to be followed when scheduling a speaker on any religious topic.

  1. Catholic clergy and laity who have the responsibility of engaging speakers for spiritual and educational programs in parishes and other groups throughout the Diocese are urged to be especially vigilant that these speakers communicate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and foster genuine spiritual growth in the Catholic faith.
  2. Before anyone, Catholic clergy, religious is scheduled to speak publicly within the Diocese, it must be clear that the individual enjoys the endorsement of his or her current proper Bishop or Religious Superior. For laity, if the person is a national speaker, he or she must enjoy the endorsement of their current proper Bishop. If the person is not a national speaker, then only the pastor endorsement is required.
  3. Non-Catholic Speakers must obtain the approval of the Secretary for Catholic Life and Evangelization.
  4. When written proof has been obtained certifying that the proposed speaker has the endorsement of his or her proper Church Authorities, the Pastor or Administrator must submit a written request (“Request for Authorization for a Speaker on any Religious Topic “) to host this speaker within the Diocese at least one month in advance to the Secretary for Catholic Life and Evangelization for review and approval. For priests and deacons, this request must also be accompanied by a Testimonial of Suitability for Ministry form/letter. For nonordained religious and laity this request must also be accompanied by proof that a background check has been completed. All speakers who are expected to be in contact with children and youth more then 15-20 hours must also produce proof that they have received safe environment training.
  5. Only after the Secretary for Catholic Life and Evangelization has received and reviewed all of the above and has given the necessary approval, may the events be scheduled and publicly advertised.

    6. Note: Approval expires after one-year which case a new request should be submitted with the proper paperwork for review and approval.

  6. The AD Times will not accept copy for ads for programs regarding spiritual talks or services unless the advertisement request is accompanied by the letter of approval from the Secretary for Catholic Life and Evangelization.

Steps to follow for speaker approval if the speaker is:

Priest/Deacon:

  1. Contact the Secretary for Catholic Life and Evangelization to inquire if the individual has current approval to speak in the Diocese. If they do not, you will be instructed to obtain the proper endorsements for the individual.
  2. Submit the completed Request for Authorization form along with the proper endorsements.
    a. Testimonial of Suitability for Ministry form/letter for priests/deacons
    b. Letter of endorsement from Religious Superior for a religious
    c. Proof of safe environment training if expected to be in contact with children and youth more then 15-20 hours.

Non-Ordained Religious:

  1. Contact the Secretary for Catholic Life and Evangelization to inquire if the individual has current approval to speak in the Diocese. If they do not, you will be instructed to obtain the proper endorsements for the individual.
  2. Submit the completed Request for Authorization form along with the proper endorsements.
    a. Letter of endorsement from current proper Religious Superior
    b. Proof that a background check has been completed.
    c. Proof of safe environment training if expected to be in contact with children and youth more then 15-20 hours.

Lay:

  1. Contact the Secretary for Catholic Life and Evangelization to inquire if the individual has current approval to speak in the Diocese. If they do not, you will be instructed to obtain the proper endorsements for the individual.
  2. Submit the completed Request for Authorization form along with the proper endorsements.
    a. Letter of endorsement by his or her current proper Bishop or Pastor
    b. Proof that a background check has been completed
    c. Proof of safe environment training if expected to be in contact with children and youth more then 15-20 hours.

Policy approved by Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen at Council of Priests Meeting: March 3, 2007
Episcopal re-approval, Most Reverend John O. Barres: July 28, 2011.

Revised 07/2011



Post Office Box F  •  Allentown, PA  •  18105-1538

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