The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland is launching a 24/7 third-party hotline for Diocesan employees, volunteers and parishioners to report alleged violations of ethical standards.
“Some of the examples we've given are fraud, misconduct, safety violations, harassment, substance abuse — you know anything that could be happening at a Catholic parish or school or at the diocesan level that could be troubling activity,” says Diocesan spokesperson Dave Guthro.
Guthro says Ohio-based Red Flag Reporting will operate the system, which will allow callers to remain anonymous.
“We are the conduit for information. so we are a tool that allows people to speak up and yet retain their anonymity,” says Red Flag President Ray Dunkle.
Guthro says the new reporting system, which goes live July 1, is not intended for those with information about alleged sexual abuse. Those Reports, he says, should go to law enforcement and to the Church's Office of Professional Responsibility.