Diocese launches new system for reporting suspected financial misuse, other ethical violations

PISCATAWAY – Adding to the systems already in place to report abuse within its boundaries, the Diocese of Metuchen today announced the implementation of an independent third-party reporting system that will allow any person who suspects financial impropriety or other violations of the Diocese of Metuchen’s Pastoral Code of Conduct, to file an anonymous and confidential report.

Through the diocese’s contracting with NAVEX Global’s EthicsPoint, a confidential reporting structure used throughout the world in private sector organizations and in dioceses across the country, people of the diocese can file a report of a suspected ethics violation in the Diocese of Metuchen or in any of its parishes, schools or cemeteries, allowing their concerns to be addressed fairly and without fear of retaliation. 

Following ongoing discussions about strengthening financial transparency and fiscal responsibility, the Diocesan Finance Council – comprised mostly of lay members who are experts in the financial field – and a special committee tasked with proposing suggestions, made the recommendation to institute a third-party system, and thus the Diocese of Metuchen began its partnership with EthicsPoint. It is designed to securely collect reports of unethical behavior, such as but not limited to financial malfeasance, theft and fraud, and other violations of the diocese’s Pastoral Code of Conduct. The system is not meant for allegations of sexual abuse, which should be immediately reported to law enforcement by calling 1-877 NJ ABUSE and reported to the Diocese of Metuchen’s Director of Child and Youth Protection at (908) 930-4558.

“The implementation of this system has long been in the making, following months of consideration, input and reflection,” said Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., spokesperson and chancellor of the Diocese of Metuchen. “While our diocese has had a system in place for years to encourage the reporting of sexual abuse, whether it be abuse by a bishop, priest, deacon, religious brother or sister, or any employee or volunteer, it became clear there was a need to broaden the scope of reporting to include suspected ethical violations such as financial impropriety.”

In measures meant to be proactive steps to strengthen its fiscal procedures, the Diocese of Metuchen publishes an annual report each year and has intensified its financial protocols, relying on an audit committee, requiring parishes to comply with an independent two- to three-year audit cycle, mandating that parishes submit their annual parish financial report, and incorporating best practices for the integrity of parish finance councils. Last year, the diocese also established a new Office of Parish and Financial Services, which is entrusted with overseeing the audit process of each parish and the necessary follow up for compliance. 

“We know the generous gifts that the people of the diocese have entrusted to us, and those resources that have been entrusted to us by God, must be used in an honest and careful way,” said Chancellor Kearns. “We take our responsibility to steward our financial gifts very seriously, so that the entire diocese can operate in a healthy way,” said Chancellor Kearns.  

With an extensive background in business and administration, the Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, Bishop of Metuchen, was able to envision the need for the independent reporting system, directing its implementation and supporting the project from its infancy, said Chancellor Kearns. He also credited the diocesan Office of Parish and Financial Services for helping to bring the system to fruition. 

“Day after day in the news, we are reminded that we live in an imperfect world. This system gives us the opportunity to more clearly see the imperfections borne by our own humanity and, more importantly, allows us the opportunity to correct them,” said Chancellor Kearns. “Our hope is for people to come forward with any information about financial or ethical behavior they find questionable, and for that to happen they need to have confidence in our systems. This independent system offers that assurance.”

Reports can be made by calling the hotline 844-796-1296 or reports can be filed directly through the independent website: diometuchen.ethicspoint.com, the link to which is also available on the diocese’s website: diometuchen.org. 

Once a report is filed with EthicsPoint, either via the website or the toll-free phone number, the information is shared with an EthicsPoint communication specialist, who will then forward the report to the review committee, unless the report names someone on the committee. All reports may be filed anonymously, should the person who is filing chose to remain anonymous. 

“The ability for anyone in the diocese to confidentially and confidently report a claim of suspected financial misuse, theft, or otherwise, should give each of us a sense of reassurance, knowing that if unethical behavior is happening in our diocese, it can be promptly reported, investigated and addressed,” said Chancellor Kearns.