The speaker approval process exists to help the Diocese of Raleigh carry out its duty under Canon Law to protect the integrity and unity of the faith. This process applies to speakers from outside the Diocese of Raleigh who are invited to speak on faith or morals. Speakers who reside in the Diocese of Raleigh do not need to complete this process but should obtain permission from the pastor of the parish where they wish to speak.
Overview
- Organizers who are planning to invite someone from outside the diocese to give a talk on matters involving faith and morals must have the speaker approved by the Vicar General. Requests in Spanish should also be submitted to the Office of the Vicar General.
- Catholic parishes and schools must wait to promote or sponsor a speaker until after he/she is approved (even if the presentation is not being given on church property; e.g., at a fundraiser).
- Once a speaker is approved, the pastor will receive a letter from the Office of the Vicar General notifying him of the approval.
Approval Procedure
Before promoting or sponsoring a speaker, the inviting party must submit the following information to the Office of the Vicar General and receive approval.
- A completed Prospective Speaker Information Form signed by the Pastor
- A curriculum vitae for the speaker
- If the speaker is a priest, deacon or religious brother or sister, a suitability letter from the speaker’s diocese/superior/ordinary that states he or she is in good standing.
- In the case of a Catholic lay person, a suitability form from the speaker’s diocese establishing that he/she is a Catholic in good standing.
- If a speaker is not Catholic, written assurance must also be provided from the pastor where the talk is being held that the speaker’s presentation will not conflict with Catholic teaching in any way.
- All forms should be sent to the attention of the Vicar General:
Very Rev. Michael Burbeck, VG
Diocese of Raleigh
7200 Stonehenge Drive
Raleigh, NC 27613
Or via email: officeofthevicargeneral@raldioc.org