Background:
According to Canon 386, a diocesan bishop is obligated to ensure that, “the whole Christian doctrine is handed on to all,” in matters of faith and morals through the homily and catechetical instruction. Further, the diocesan bishop is to firmly, “protect the integrity and unity of the faith to be believed.”

It is with this section of Canon law in mind that the Speaker Approval Policy of the Diocese of Greensburg is promulgated:

Policy:

1. Speakers who are being considered to speak on issues touching upon faith and morals sponsored by any parish, (including parish missions, retreats, or workshops) Catholic school, diocesan institution, diocesan office, Catholic organization, or retreat center in the Diocese of Greensburg must be approved by the Diocesan Bishop before an invitation is extended to speak at an event.
2. Parishes, schools, diocesan institutions, offices, organizations, or retreat centers cannot promote, advertise, or sponsor a speaker unless he or she is approved.
3. The approval process includes submission of the following:
   a) A completed cover letter from the inviting party, which includes the speaker’s name and topic. The letter should attest to the speaker’s fidelity to the Magisterium and other dioceses in which the speaker has presented on this topic and when.
   b) Personal biographical information on each speaker via a curriculum vitae or resume.
   c) In the case of a priest or deacon from another diocese, the biographical information, must be accompanied by a celebret, indicating that he has permission to celebrate the sacraments outside of his diocese or a letter from his diocesan bishop or religious superior stating that he is a priest or deacon in good standing.
   d) College or university professors should provide a mandatum from their bishop. (This only applies to professors of Religion and Theology.)
4. Once an event organizer has been notified of approval he/she can then formally invite the speaker to the Diocese of Greensburg and begin advertising and promoting the event.In addition to this information, if the event is presented directly to youth, the following information must be provided:
5. Copies of Criminal and Child Abuse Clearances from the speakers(s’) state of residence and FBI Fingerprint Check. These documents must be current and dated within one (1) year of the event date.
6. Verification from the speaker(s’) home diocese that they have attended the diocesan approved Child Abuse Training.Francis Fund Parish/Region Grants:
7. All events requesting Grants from the Francis Fund are subject to this process, and will not receive funding approval until the event speaker(s) has received approval.This information should be provided no later than three months prior to the event date, so that the Office for Evangelization and Faith Formation and the Office of the Vicar General can adequately do their work of due process to provide the approval. The Office for Evangelization and Faith Formation will notify event organizers of speaker approval via email. Notification by letter will only be done if requested.
8. Clergy and Pastoral staff of parishes in the Diocese of Greensburg should be aware that that an email will be sent to them on the first Monday of each month notifying them which speakers and events have been approved.
9. The following are exempt from this policy:
   • Cardinals and Bishops in communion with the Holy See.
   • Staff, who are in good standing, of the Diocese of Greensburg, its parishes, schools, and affiliated agencies.
   • Priests or Deacons of the Diocese of Greensburg who are in good standing.
10. Approval of a speaker is event specific. Parishes, schools, diocesan institutions, offices, organizations, and retreat centers must follow the approval process each time they intend to invite a speaker to the diocese.

The Effective Date of this Policy is Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
– The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

A Note for Institutions of Higher Education in the Diocese of Greensburg:
Catholic Institutions of Higher Education in the Diocese of Greensburg will be covered by a separate policy between the diocese and each institution.

Click here to download the DIOCESE OF GREENSBURG SPEAKER POLICY SUBMISSION FORM