DIOCESE 0F IUNEAU, ALASKA

in:
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

DECREE ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION TO REVIEW FILES IN THE POSSESSION
OF THE DIOCESE OF JUNEAU RELATING TO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

In order to carry out my authority and responsibility as Bishop ofJuneau to do everything
necessary to protect minors and vulnerable adults from sexual abuse by ministers of the
Catholic Church acting on behalf ofthis Diocese, I hereby establish an Independent Commission
of three highly qualified individuals, namely,

Patricia Collins, retired Juneau Superior Court Judge,
Thomas Schulz, retired Ketchikan Superior Court Judge,
Kris Sell, retired Juneau Police Lieutenant,

who are charged to review the files in the possession ofthe Diocese of all ordained ministers
and religious men and women who have acted on behalf of the Diocese ofJuneau since its
establishment in 1951, and of all other representatives ofthe Diocese, including lay employees
and volunteers, against whom allegations of sexual misconduct have been made.

The Commission will evaluate all allegations of sexual misconduct by ordained and religious
ministers and others, including lay employees and volunteers, who have acted on behalf of the
Diocese ofJuneau to determine whether there is credible evidence to support the belief that
any of them have engaged in sexual misconduct as well as an accounting of improper handling
of any sexual abuse cases by those in authority, and recommended improvements. For these
purposes, ?sexual misconduct" is defined as any sexually related conduct that is unlawful under
the laws of the State of Alaska or of the United States of America, or the canon law of the
Catholic Church, including the particular law ofthis Diocese. If the Commission discovers an
allegation of sexual misconduct during its review that is a violation of the criminal laws ofthe
State of Alaska or the United States of America, but was not previously reported to law
enforcement, it must immediately inform the Bishop so that the allegation can be reported to
law enforcement.

The members of the Commission will have free access to all records in the possession of the
Diocese ofJuneau, including its parishes and other subordinate entities. The Bishop will ensure
that the Commission has the benefit of any expertise on the policies and procedures ofthe
Diocese, canon law, or any other matter reasonably deemed necessary by the Commission for
the performance of its duties.

415 Sixth Street, Suite 300, Juneau, AK99801 0 (907} 586-2227 Fax (907) 463-3237 0 

Each member of the Commission will have an equal voice and vote in determining whether an
allegation of sexual misconduct is or is not supported by credible evidence. To the extent
possible, members of the Commission should strive to reach consensus in making such
decisions. The Commission may conclude that it is unable to determine whether or not a
particular allegation of sexual misconduct is supported by credible evidence.

Upon completing its review of the relevant records, the Commission will deliver a written
report of its determinations simultaneously to the Bishop and to the President of the Diocesan
Review Board for the Protection of Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults. Included in
the report must be a list of the names of all ordained and religious ministers and others,
including lay employees and volunteers, who have acted on behalf of the Diocese ofJuneau and
against whom allegations of sexual misconduct have been supported by credible evidence.

After the Bishop and the members of the Diocesan Review Board have reviewed the
Commission's report, the Bishop will publish the names of all ordained and religious ministers
and others, including lay employees and volunteers, who have acted on behalf of the Diocese of
Juneau and against whom allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors and vulnerable
adults have been supported by credible evidence.

The Business Manager of the Diocese will prepare a budget to reflect the costs of the
Commission?s activities, including travel expenses, administrative costs, and reasonable

compensation of its members.

GIVEN atluneau, Alaska, on December 11, 2018.



Most Reverend Andrew E. Bellisario, C.M.
Bishop ofJuneau

 

Roberta Izzard
Notary