PURPOSE

The Joliet Diocesan Board of Conciliation exists out of concern for the dignity of persons and provides a model for resolving disputes among the members of the Christian community.

JURISDICTION

The jurisdiction of the Conciliation Board extends to disputes between individual members of the Diocese or groups within the Diocese in which the controversy concerns an ecclesiastical matter.

The Board also conciliates disputes between a person and a diocesan administrator (or administrative body) when it is thought that an act or decision, including administrative sanctions and disciplinary actions, has violated Church law, formal policy or natural equity.

INITIATING THE PROCESS

To initiate the process of conciliation, a person is to send a letter to:

Chair of the Board of Conciliation
The Chancery
425 Summit Street
Joliet, IL 60435

The letter is to include the following information:

1. Person's complete name, address and telephone number.

2. The complete name, address and telephone number of the person(s) with whom conciliation is being sought, hereafter known as the Respondent.

3. The nature and extent of the problem (about 100 words).

4. The injury which has been sustained.

5. A listing of the person's rights which have been violated.

6. Evidence that the person has requested in writing that the Respondent cease whatever activity is the cause of the dispute.

7. The redress, compensation or action which is being sought.

Once the letter has been received, the Chair of the Board or a Board member will contact the person, informing him/her of the status of the problem and any future steps which might/will be taken.

BOARD MEMBERS

There are two lay men, two lay women, one male religious, one female religious, two priests and one deacon serving on the Board.

These persons are Catholics in good standing who reside within the Diocese of Joliet. They possess the qualities of objectivity, fairness and patience. They devote sufficient time to the conciliation process.

BOARD MEETINGS

Members meet as often as is necessary to conduct business.

TERM OF OFFICE

Each member is appointed for a term of five years which may be renewed.

Information about how to initiate the process of conciliation in PDF letter