The Vernon United Methodist Church affirms the 2000 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 is incompatible with biblical teachings of hospitality, justice and healing. In accordance with the 2000 Book of Discipline, Paragraph 161.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 that all are one in Christ, we support equity among all persons, without regard to age, ethnicity, situation, or gender.
Sexual abuse within the ministerial relationship occurs when a person within a 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, volunteer, or co-worker.
Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual advance or demand, either verbal or physical, that is reasonably perceived by the recipient as demeaning, intimidating, or coercive. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the creation of a hostile or abusive working environment resulting from discrimination on the basis of gender (the Book of Discipline, Paragraph 161.I). Gender harassment is behavior that is harassing in nature against a woman, because she is a woman; and against a man, because he is a man.
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 and/or gender harassment are usually understood to be exploitation of power relationships rather than as exclusively sexual or gender issues.
Sexual and gender harassment, sexual abuse, and misconduct of a sexual nature within the life of the Church interfere with its moral mission. The Vernon United Methodist Church stands in opposition to the sins of sexual and/or gender harassment and sexual abuse in the Church and in society at large. The Vernon United Methodist Church commits itself to fair and expedient investigation of any charge of sexual and/or gender harassment or sexual abuse within the Church and will take action deemed appropriate and in compliance with the Book of Discipline. Further, the Vernon United Methodist Church bears affirmative responsibility to create an environment of hospitality for all persons, male or female, which is free of these sins and encourages respect, equality, and kinship in Christ.
Some instances of harassment can be resolved easily and informally between the parties; perhaps involving an intermediary, such as the Pastor, Lay Leader, or other church leader. All other instances, particularly sexual abuse, should be promptly reported to the chair of the Staff Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and the pastor in charge. If the alleged conduct involves a clergy person, it should be reported to the District Superintendent or Bishop for prompt action in accordance with the policy adopted by the New England Annual Conference.
The Vernon United Methodist Church will not retaliate against any person who brings forward a legitimate complaint. All staff leaders and members are expected to immediately report any knowledge of harassment, abuse, or misconduct to the persons listed above. Prompt and appropriate investigation and corrective action will be taken; including discipline. Persons who make false accusations will also be subject to disciplinary action.
While the Vernon United Methodist Church cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality, it will make every reasonable effort to maintain confidentiality by disclosing information about the complaint only on a "need to know" basis and as necessary to promote God's call for justice, reconciliation, and healing.
Anyone who has any questions or concerns about this policy or the issues addressed is encouraged to share them with the Pastor or the Chair of the SPPRC.
Approved by the Administrative Council on March 27, 2002.
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