LOCAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
POLICY STAEMENT ON MISCONDUCT OF A SEXUAL NATURE

The ______________ United Methodist Church affirms the 1996 Book of Resolutions, Sexual Abuse Within the Ministerial Relationship and Sexual Harassment Within the Church, which states that sexual abuse within the ministerial relationship and sexual harassment within the church as incompatible with biblical teaching of hospitality, justice, and healing. In accordance with the 1996 Book of Discipline, paragraph 65.F, all human beings, both male and female, are created in the image of God, and thus have been made equal in Christ. As the promise of Galatians 3:26-29, states all are one in Christ, we support equity among all persons without regard to ethnicity, situation or gender.

Sexual abuse within the ministerial relationship occurs when a person within the ministerial role of leadership (pastor, educator, counselor, youth leader, or other position of leadership) engages in sexual contact or sexualized behavior with a congregant, client, employee, student, staff member, co-worker or volunteer.

Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual advance or demand, either verbal or physical, that is reasonably perceived as demeaning, intimidating, or coercive. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the creation of a hostile of abusive working environment resulting from discrimination on the basis of gender. (the Book of Discipline paragraph 65.1)

Sexual abuse within the ministerial relationship involves a betrayal of sacred trust, a violation of the ministerial role and exploitation of those who are vulnerable. Similarly, sexual harassment must be understood as an exploitation of a power relationship rather than as an exclusively sexual issue.

Misconduct of a sexual nature within the life of the Church interferes with its moral mission. ____________________ United Methodist Church stands in opposition to the sin of misconduct of a sexual nature in the Church and society at large and commits itself to fair and expedient investigation of any charge of sexual misconduct within the church and to take action deemed appropriate and in compliance with the Book of Discipline. Further, the ____________________ United Methodist Church seeks to create an environment of hospitality for all persons, male and female, which is free of misconduct of a sexual nature and encourages respect, equality, and kinship in Christ.

Some instances of sexual harassment can be resolved easily and informally between parties. In all other instances, misconduct of a sexual nature should be reported to a local church contact person for sexual harassment and abuse, or to a conference advocate for sexual harassment or abuse. Incidents involving paid staff, excepting the pastor, or volunteers may be handled locally if the contact person finds this possible with the cooperation of the PPRC and the Pastor. In incidents involving a pastor the person bringing complaint should be encouraged to seek the advice of a conference advocate for sexual harassment and abuse. All information should be handled in a confidential manner. Refer to North Central New York Annual Conference Policy Statement On Misconduct of a Sexual Nature.

An incident of abuse involving a minor is a crime and must be reported to the proper law enforcement agency. If it is necessary to report an incident to a law enforcement agency please notify the District Superintendent immediately.

This sample is provided from GCFA and COSHA.
This is a sample to guide you in writing your local church policy