POLICY ON SEXUAL ABUSE IN MINISTERIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Adopted July 17, 1997; Reviewed and Revised July 22, 2004
INTRODUCTION
The term “minister” is this document refers to both professional and lay leaders within the church setting. It includes, but is not limited to, ordained and licensed clergy, other professional staff embers, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, custodial and office personnel and any other individuals, whether paid or volunteer, who serve in such capacities of ministry within Tabernacle Baptist Church.
All individuals who serve in ministerial relationships at
POLICY
Sexual contact, other than with their spouse, between ministers and those with whom they a\share a ministerial relationship is wrong and shall be deemed misconduct. Misconduct involving sexual abuse/harassment is defined as sexual activity or contact (not limited to sexual intercourse) in which the clergy/other minister takes advantage of the vulnerability of the one(s) with whom they share a ministerial relationship by causing or allowing said individual(s) to engage in sexual activity or conduct within that relationship.
ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING POLICY
1. Sexual abuse/harassment by and between ministers and those they serve is wrong.
2. Ministers must, at all times, attempt to be aware of the possible impact of their words and actions in caring for the motional, mental and spiritual needs of persons who come to them for help or over whom they have any kind of authority. Breach of this ministerial responsibility is unethical.
3. Any person accused of sexual abuse/harassment will be considered innocent unless a preponderance of evidence substantiates the allegation.
4. Because ministers often deal with individuals who are emotionally and psychologically, spiritually and personally vulnerable, they must have an understanding of boundaries and behavior appropriate to the ministerial relationship.
5. The Local Response Team, as defined, and all others involved in adjudicating complaints will act in accordance wit all state and federal laws concerning abuse of minors.
6. All allegations will be taken seriously and must be investigated.
LOCAL CHURCH PROCEDURES
1. Any person who feels he/she is the victim of sexual harassment/abuse is encouraged to inform the Church Moderator or the Chair of the Board of Deacons who shall in turn inform the other. These individuals shall inform the Executive Minister of ABCORI of the existence of a complaint. Members of the ABCORI Response Team will be available to assist in the process of reviewing the complaint, providing support to the church and all individuals involved.
2. If the allegations involve a child under the age of 18, the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families shall be notified within 24 hours, in compliance with Rhode Island State Law (1.8.RI CHILD).
#. Great care will be taken to protect the identity of the complainant.
4. If the alleged offending individual is a pastor or other clergy person, the complaint also will be referred to the Standing Committee on Ordained Ministry under ABCORI’s Ecclesiastical Process for the Review of Ministerial Standing.
5. The Moderator and the Chair of the Board of Deacons shall name a third member to serve with them as the Local Response Team (LRT). The third member shall be named in such a manner as to assure that both men and women are represented on the Response Team. The work of the Response Team is ecclesial in nature and does not involve legal counsel. The LRT shall review and investigate all allegations. Financial support for counseling should be limited to costs of initiating short term (up to four) sessions and/or group therapy as deemed appropriate by the LRT.
6. The pastoral care of those involved, including the alleged victim(s) and his/her family, the accused and the accused’s family, and the congregation, will be monitored by the LRT until there is a resolution of the allegation.
7. All allegations will be brought to the LRT which will be provided with special training in issues regarding sexual abuse/harassment. At no time will an allegation be decided by one individual.
LOCAL RESPONSE TEAM PROCEDURES
1. THE INITIAL MEETING WITH THE COMPLAINANT
A. The Local Response Team (LRT) will meet with the complainant and ask for a written and signed statement.
Allegations made on behalf of a third party, but not substantiated by the alleged victim, will be investigated only if the alleged victim is a young child.
B. An advocate for the complainant will be identified at this initial meeting.
C. At the initial meeting the complainant wil be advised of the procedural guidelines and the expectation to be an active participant in the process.
D. At the initial meeting it will be made clear that reprisals as a result of bringing a complaint are forbidden.
2. INFORMING THE ACCUSED
A. Following the initial meeting with the complainant, the LRT will inform the accused and reliever him/her of ministerial duties (with pay if an employee) and without prejudice pending the outcome of the investigation.
B. The accused will be informed of his/her right to counsel.
C. An opportunity will be given for the accused to meet with the LRT.
D. A written and signed statement will be requested from the accused.
3. THE INVESTIGATION
A. The LRT shall conduct an investigation to determine the merits of the complaint.
B. Within thirty days of the complaint, the LRT shall give a written response to the complainant with a copy being furnished to the accused and affected Board or Committee, if any, of
4. RECOMMENTATIONS FOR JUSTICE-MAKING ACTIONS
A. If the allegations are substantiated, the Local Response Team shall take the following justice-making actions:
a. For the Victim
1. If so desired, provide an opportunity to meet with the accused in the presence of the LRT and/or
2. Refer to appropriate counseling.
b. For the Accused/Ofender
1. Refer to appropriate counseling and/or
2. Continued suspension of duties, with provisions for review at specified time intervals and/or
3. Termination of duties and/or
4. Provide an opportunity to freely apologize to the complainant, and to facilitate same in way defined by the complainant.
B. If the allegations are unsubstantiated the LRT shall take the following justice-making actions:
a. For the Victim/Complainant:
1. Provide an opportunity to meet with the accused in the presence of the LRT.
2. Refer to counseling and provide opportunity to meet again with the LRT>
b. For the Accused:
1. Refer to appropriate counseling and provide opportunity to meet again with the LRT>
2. The LRT will make a recommendation to the appropriate church body concerning restoration of ministerial duties.
5. RECORD KEEPING
A. Written records of all reports shall be maintained in a confidential file as part of the permanent records of the church. The file shall be accessible to the Pastor, the Church Clerk and the Moderator when requeted in writing by two of thee three persons.
B. The LRT shall communicate the disposition of all complaints to the Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of
6. POLICY REVIEW
The Church Council shall review this policy in accordance with the
Policy Development Timeline
May 23, 1996 Initial draft presented to Deacons
June 27, 1996 Draft reviewed by deacons with suggestions for revisions
December 12, 1996 Revised draft presented to Deacons
February 13, 1997 Revised draft reviewed by Deacons with further revisions
April 6, 1997 Presented to Congregation
April 7, 1997 Review by Executive Committee
April 17, 1997 Discussion and Preliminary Action at
July 17, 1997 Approved at Quarterly Business Meeting
Policy Review
July 22, 2004
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