How do you make a complaint about a Catholic priest?

Answer 1

Depending upon the nature of the complaint, you either call the local police, or you contact the pastor of your parish. If the priest in question is the pastor of your parish, then you contact the office of the bishop of your diocese.

ANSWER:

Your first step is to contact the diocesan Bishop. In most cases it is best to write, outlining the complaint so that the Bishop has a clear and concise outline of your complaint. Be sure to include dates and time, if appropriate and whether there are other people who may be able to either corroborate your complaint, or may possibly be having similar challenges.

If your complaint involves any allegations of illegalities, be certain to write down, in the clearest terms, what happened, what you said, what was said to you, where were you at the time, was there anyone present at the time.

If your complaint is a matter for the laity, then it's appropriate to first discuss the matter with the PCC (Parochial Church Council) or vestry members to seek guidance. It could be damaging to go directly to the Bishop should the matter involve something of which the laity already have knowledge and are working to resolve. Failure to do so could lead to embarrassment and possible alienation of friendships within the parish.

Answer 2

Just a minute. Making a complaint against a priest is not a crime. There is no accusation of making such a complaint. That is inflated and defensive rhetoric that would discourage people from coming forward. It is the right of anyone who believes he/she has a valid complaint. Knowingly making a false accusation against someone is another matter, and priests have a right to as much protection against this as anyone else including you and me.

The assumption is that you are talking about the Catholic church. I would not feel any confidence that the diocesan offices will be particularly helpful; they have their own way of doing things. However, given events of recent years they may be willing to assist you. Many dioceses have set up offices to handle the many complaints that have been coming in, and many of these offices are staffed by laypersons who will be attuned to your specific need. You will have to go to the diocese with all the information you have. You may find that the person making the 'accusation' is full of hot air and there is nothing to the story at all. Or you may find that someone lodged a complaint in your name without your knowledge. It is also possible that there is someone else out there with the same name as you. If the diocese offers you no help at all, calmly tell them that you have no choice but to take it up with the police. It is likely that they will want to have a chance to clear up any misinformation or misunderstandings before the police are invited in. Most dioceses have had enough of that.