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The Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Lay Review Board assists the bishop as a confidential, consultative body in:
- addressing and responding to allegations of abuse of minors by clergy and other violations of EIM policies and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (i.e., allegations of abuse by clergy against minors and previous abuse by clergy against minors who are now adults);
- addressing and responding to allegations of abuse by clergy against the elderly or adults with disabilities; and
- developing policies and procedures regarding Ethics and Integrity in Ministry including education and prevention.
Review Board members are appointed by the bishop. The board is composed of at least five persons of outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the church, the majority of whom are lay persons not in the employ of the diocese. The board includes:- at least one priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the diocese;
- at least one member with particular expertise in the treatment of the sexual abuse of minors; and
- additional members representing various fields and professional backgrounds including education, law enforcement, human resources, social work, psychology, protective services, the judicial system and health care.
The Review Board meets regularly and as called by the bishop.
In January 2019, after a thorough review of clergy and religious personnel files by an independent review team, the diocesan Review Board recommended that Bishop Vásquez release the names of priests, permanent deacons and religious sisters and brothers against whom a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor has been received by the Diocese of Austin. If the diocese receives additional credible allegations, the list will be amended.