policy statement & protocol on clergy sexual...

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POLICY STATEMENT & PROTOCOL ON CLERGY SExUAL MISCONDUCT Of THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON

CONfERENCE Of THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

I.PolicyStatementA.Introduction Thepastoralofficeisapositionofgreattrust,responsibility,andpower.Thistrustandresponsibilityprovidetheopportunityforuniquerelationshipsofgraceandcaring.Personsinpastoralrolessometimesviolatethetrustgiventhembytheabuseoftheirpower.Sexualmisconductisoneofthegravestviolationsofthistrust. ThisPolicyStatementoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConferencedealswiththespecificabuseofpowerbythoseinpastoralministrywhoengageinsexualmisconduct.TheintentofthisPolicyStatementistoprovideforthesafetyofparishionersbyensuringaprotectiveclimate,protectthespecialcovenantalrelationshipbetweenpastorsandthosetowhomtheyminister,andensurethehealthandauthenticityofclergypersonsinpastoralministries.

B.TheologicalReflections OurrelationshipwithandknowledgeofGodguidesandilluminatesourreflectionsonpastoralbehaviorandsexualmisconduct.Someofthesereflectionsare:• Godcreatedusasembodiedsexualbeings,maleandfemale;thereisnodichotomybetweenbodyandspirit—ourselvesarenotseparatefromourbodies(Genesis2:18-25).• Godcallsustohonortheintegrityofourneighbors,andtheirauthorityovertheirownpersonhood(Deuteronomy22:25-27).• GodcallsusintocovenantwitheachotherwithinthefamilyofGod(Deuteronomy14:1-2;Ephesians4:14-16).• God,throughthechurch,callspastorstowitnesstothepreciousnessofbodies,ourownandothers,andtodeclarethateachpersonisuniqueandofdivineworth(ICorinthians6:19-20).• God’sgrace,freelygiventhroughJesusChrist,callsustobechannelsofgrace,notexploitation,andtobeagentsofhealingandredemption.Inlightoftheseunderstandings,whenwehonorthecompleteintegrityofanother,wehonorandremembertheBodyofChrist.

C.DefinitionofSexualMisconductandStatuteofLimitations 1. Sexualmisconductisanabuseofpowerthroughsexualcontactoractivity,notlimitedtosexualintercourse,inwhichaclergypersonviolatesthefreechoice,orabusesthevulnerabilityofaparishioner(adultorminor),client,churchstaffperson,colleague,oranyotherpersontowhomtheclergypersonhasaprofessionalrelationshipinhisorherministry. 2. Sexualmisconductmaytakeseveralforms,includingsexualharassmentand/orsexualabuse.Sexualharassmentisaformofsexualmisconductandisdefinedas“anyunwantedsexualadvanceordemand,eitherverbalorphysical,whichisperceivedbytherecipientasdemeaning,intimidating,orcoercive.”(1988BookofResolutions,p.375.ThepolicyonsexualharassmentisfurtherdetailedinthedocumentpreparedbytheBoardofOrdainedMinistryandadoptedbytheAnnualConferenceinJuneof1992,see¶2413,2001ManualonPolicies&Procedures.)

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3. SexualmisconductbreaksthesacredtrustinherentinLicensingandOrdination.Anysuchsexualmisconductbyaclergyperson—aswellaschildsexualabuse,adultsexualabuseorsexualharassment—isachargeableoffense(2004Discipline¶2702).Allclergypersonsshallberesponsiblefortheirownbehavior. 4. AnychargesfiledmustbeinthelanguageoftheDisciplineineffectatthetimetheallegedoffensewascommitted.Otherlimitationsinthefilingofcomplaintsinclude: a.nocomplaintshallbeconsideredforanymisconductwhichshallnothavebeencommittedwithinsixyearsimmediatelyprecedingthefilingofthecomplaint; b.inthecaseofsexualorchildabuse,nocomplaintshallbeconsideredwhichoccurredpriortoJanuary1,1993;anyoffenseofsexualorchildabuseoccurringonJanuary1,1993orafterwardsshallhaveanunlimitedstatuteoflimitations(2004Discipline¶2702.1,4).

D.Definitionof“Complainant,”“Respondent,”and“Victim” 1. InthisPolicystatementandProtocol,a“complainant”isunderstoodtobeapersonwhosubmitsawrittenandsignedcomplaintforarbitration. 2. Aclergypersonagainstwhomacomplaintofsexualmisconducthasbeenfiledshallbeknownasthe“respondent.” 3. Whileacomplainantmayalsobeanallegedvictim,thePolicyandProtocoldoesnotassumethatthecomplainantisanactualvictim.Theterm“victim”willbeusedincaseswhereeithertherespondentmakesconfessionofallegedsexualmisconductorwheretherespondentisproventobeguilty.

E.StandardsforClergyConduct ThefollowingarestandardswhichunderliethisPolicyStatementanditsdefinitionofsexualmisconductbyclergypersons: 1. Clergypersonsareresponsibleforavoidingsexualmisconductbyestablishingandmaintainingappropriatepersonalandsocialboundariesinallinterpersonalrelationships. 2. Clergypersonsareresponsiblefortheirconductregardingtheemotional,spiritual,andphysicalprotectionofallpersonswhocometothemforhelporoverwhomtheyhaveanykindofauthority.Breachofthisprotectiverelationshipisunethicalandabusiveevenwhensexualactivitiesareinitiatedbytheperson(s)towhomthepastorisministering.Becauseoftheimbalanceinpowerandtrustinsucharelationship,theperson(s)beingministeredtobytheclergypersonshouldbepresumedtobeunabletogivemeaningfulconsenttoanysexualactivity. 3. Becauseclergypersonsoftendealwithindividualswhoareemotionallyandpsychologicallyfragileorpersonallyvulnerable,itisimperativethatclergypersons: a.beaspsychologically,emotionally,andspirituallyhealthyaspossibleatalltimes; b.haveadequatepreparationandeducationforhelpingthoseindividualsundertheircareandmakingappropriatereferrals;and c.havecontinuedsupervisiontodealwiththeinherentriskcausedbydependencyand/ortransferencebetweentheparties.

F.ResponsibilitytotheVictim(s) 1. Tobeavictimofsexualmisconductistoexperienceadevastatingbetrayaloftrust.Thevictimhastrustedthatthepowerandtheauthoritygiventoaclergypersonwillbeusedforthewell-beingofallpersons.Inturningtoaclergyperson,personsbecomevulnerableandtrustthattheirvulnerabilitywillberespectedandnotabused.Whenaclergypersonusespowertoabuseanddisrespectthetrustandvulnerabilityofpersons,theeffectsarepainfullytraumatic.

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2. Whensexualmisconductoccurs,therearemanyvictims:theperson(s)whohasbeenabused,thespousesandfamiliesoftheabusedperson(s),thespouseandfamilyoftherespondent(s),andthecongregationsandthelargercommunitysurroundingthem.WhileallthesevictimsarenotaddressedbycurrentdisciplinaryproceduresoftheUnitedMethodistChurch,allarehurtwhensexualmisconductoccurs.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamoftheConferencewillbeavailabletoprovideassistanceforthecomplainant(s)aswellasappropriateinterventiononbehalfofthecongregation(s)orthelargercommunity(seeSectionIII). 3. Whenallegationsofsexualmisconductaremadeagainstapastor,thecomplainant(s)andvictim(s)willreceivesensitiveandrespectfulcarebothduringthetimeofinvestigationandthroughtheseasonofhealing.Bythesametoken,justicefortherespondent(s)willalsobemaintained.Carewillbetakentoprotecttheprivacyoftherespondent,thecomplainant(s),andthevictim(s).

G.ExpectationsoftheCovenantalRelationshipofClergyPersons Allclergypersonsareboundinacovenantofmutualrespectandresponsibility,includingacalltoexemplarylivingwhichincarnatestheGospel:

1. Becauseofthiscovenantwiththechurchwhichpastorsmakeupontheirordinationorthroughlicensing,clergypersonsarecalledtoremainfaithfultotheChurchbynotignoringknowledgeofsexualmisconductbyotherclergypersons: a.“knowledgeofsexualmisconduct”isunderstoodtobespecificinformation,notsuggestions,rumors,orinnuendos; b.thisPolicyStatementshallnotbeunderstoodasgrantingotherclergypersonspermissiontogosearchingforsuchinformation; c.aclergypersonwithknowledgeofsexualmisconductbyanotherclergypersonisencouragedtoapproachtheclergyinquestiondirectlyanddiscreetly,sharetheknowledge,andencouragehim/hertoceasethebehavior,andseekcounselingand/ortherapy; d.whenaclergypersonpossessesknowledgeofsexualmisconductbyanotherclergypersonandthesecondclergypersonrefusesorisunabletostopthebehavior,theclergypersonwiththeknowledgeofsexualmisconductisencouragedtoreporttheknowledgetotheCabinetand/orthebishop. 2. Allclergypersonsaretodotheirutmosttosupportthosewhofeelvictimizedandtoencouragethemtosubmittheircomplaintsdirectly.If,forwhateverreason,individualsneedassistanceinsubmittingawrittenandsignedcomplaint,clergyshallmakeeveryefforttohelpthemfilesuchacomplaint.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamwillbeavailabletoallclergypersonswithintheConferencetoassistthemintheseefforts. 3. Clergypersonswhoareappointedtocongregationswheretheirpredecessorhasbeensexuallyirresponsiblefindthemselveslivingwiththeconsequencesarisingfromthemisconductofapreviousclergyperson.Whenfriendsintheministryarecaughtinthewebofsexualmisconduct,clergypersonsoftenfindthemselvescaughtbetweencaringforapersonalfriendinvolvedinsexualmisconductandcaringforthehealthandauthenticityoftheordainedministry.IntentionalsupportfromthebishopandtheCabinetistobegiventoanyclergypersonwhoisappointedtoacongregationwheresexualmisconductbyapreviousclergypersonhasoccurred. 4. Finally,theeffectsofsexualmisconductbyaclergypersonarealsofeltbybothpastoralcolleaguesandthelaitywithintheConference.Wheneveroneofusactsinsexuallyinappro-priateways,allofusexperiencehurtandgriefoverthebreakingofthespecialcovenantalrelation-shipbetweentheclergypersonsandparishioners.


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H.ExpectationsoftheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations 1. TheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelationsofthelocalchurchischargedwithmonitoringtherelationshipoftheclergypersontothecongregationandcooperating,inanadvisorycapacity,withthebishopandCabinetatthetimeofachangeofaclergyperson.Becauseofthisroleofleadership,membersoftheCommitteehavearesponsibilitytobealerttopossiblesexualmisconductandtoreportknowledgeofsexualmisconductbyclergypersonstotheCabinetand/orthebishop. 2. If,forwhateverreason,individualswithgrievancesdonotchoosetofileacomplaintofsexualmisconduct,membersoftheCommitteeshalldotheirutmosttosupportthosewhofeelvictimizedbyencouragingthemtobecomefamiliarwiththePolicyStatement&Protocolandfilesuchcomplaintsdirectly.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamwillbeavailabletolocalCommittees,orotherpersonnelcommittees,toassistthemintheseefforts.

I.SuspensionofClergyPersonsAccusedofSexualMisconduct 1. ItshallbethepolicyoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConferencethatthebringingofanallegationofsexualmisconductbyawrittenandsignedcomplaintagainstaclergypersonshallqualifyas“unusualcircumstances”forthesuspensionofthatclergypersontoprotectthewell-beingofthecomplainant,thechurchand/ortheclergy(2004Discipline¶362.1c). 2. Whenawrittenandsignedcomplaintofsexualmisconductisbroughtagainstaclergyperson,thebishopand/orCabinetshallimmediatelyrecommendtotheExecutiveCommitteeoftheBoardofOrdainedMinistrythattheclergypersonbesuspended.ThebishopandtheCabinetmayrequestthattheExecutiveCommitteetakeimmediateactionthroughaphoneconferencewhenthereisamatterofurgency.UpontheapprovalofthesuspensionbytheExecutiveCommittee,thebishopand/orCabinetshallimmediatelysuspendtheaccusedclergypersonfromallclergyresponsibilities,butnotfromanappointment,foraperiodnottoexceedsixtydayswhileproceduresarefollowed.Suspensionisaneutralcategory,implyingneitherinnocencenorguilt,duringwhichallpartieswillreceivefairprocess(2004Discipline¶362.2,¶2701andsections#II.B.9-11oftheProtocol).

J.Resolutionand/orReconciliation 1. Ateverystepinthisprocess,followingthefilingofacomplaintofsexualmisconduct,thebishopand/orCabinetshallseekajustresolutionand/orreconciliationamongallparties.Theseeffortsshalltakeplaceasapartofthe“supervisoryresponse”(2004Discipline¶362.1b). 2. Atallmeetingsseekingsucharesolutionand/orreconciliation,thebishopand/orCabinetshallinsurethat: a.noverbatimrecordshallbemade; b.nolegalcounselshallbepresent; c.therespondentmaychooseanotherpersontoaccompanyhim/herwiththerighttovoice;and d.thecomplainantshallhavetherighttochooseapersontoaccompanyhim/herwiththerighttovoice. 3. Atthebishop’sdetermination,theSexualMisconductResponseTeamoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConferenceshallserveasthetrained,neutralmediationteamtoassistthebishopand/orsuperintendentduringthesupervisoryresponse.Thebishopmayconsultwithanyotherpartywhoms/hedeterminesmaybehelpfulinthehealingprocess. 4. Ifthesupervisoryprocessleadstoaresolutionorreconciliationbetweenallparties,thebishopmaydismissthecomplaintifs/hedeterminesthatnoadditionalactionisnecesary.

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Ifthebishopdecidestodismissacomplaintforwhateverreason,orifthereisareconciliation,thebishopand/ortheCabinetshallkeeparecordofthecomplaint,dismissal,orreconciliationinthepersonnelrecordsoftheclergypersonandinthesupervisoryfilesofthebishopandtheCabinet.

K.BreakingtheSilence 1. Breakingthesilencewhensexualmisconducthasoccurredhasthepowertoreleasepersons,bothperpetratorsandvictims,fromthebondageofsecrecy,denial,andguiltthatresultsfromsexualmisconduct.Whenbringingincidentsofpastoralsexualmisconducttotheattentionofproperauthorities,thegreatestpossiblecareshallbetakentoassurethattheleastpossibleadditionalharmisdonetothecomplainant(s)and/orvictim(s),therespondent(s),andthecongregation(s).Procedureswillbefollowedstrictlyandcarefullywithrespectforboththecomplainant(s)andtherespondent. 2. Whenawrittenandsignedcomplaintallegingsexualmisconductagainstapastorismade,thebishopshallcommunicateinwritingwiththeCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee,concerning:thenatureoftheallegations,butnotthespecificinformation;themeaningofsuspension;andtheprocedureswhichwillfollow.Thisinformationshallbeprovidedforsharingwiththecongregation(s)orotherappropriateentity(2004Discipline¶362.1e). 3. Finally,whenithasbeendeterminedthataclergyperson(s)hasengagedinsexualmisconduct,clergycolleagueswithintheAnnualConferencewillbeinformedeitherthroughtheClergyExecutiveSessionorthroughotherappropriateavenuesdeterminedbythebishop.TheClergyExecutiveSessionmayvotetoreleasetheinformationtoallmembersoftheannualconference.

L.DoubleJeopardyandUntruthfulnessDuringaJudicialProcess 1. Clergypersonsshallnotbesubjectedtoajudicialprocessasecondtimeforthesameallegedoccurrence(s),thatis,“doublejeopardy”(2004Discipline¶2701.5). 2. Ifaclergypersonhasbeenuntruthfulduringajudicialprocess,thismaybeconsideredachargeableoffense.Suchachargeofuntruthfulnessshallnotconstitutedoublejeopardy.

II.ProtocolA.ProceduralAssumptions 1. Allwrittenandsignedcomplaintsofsexualmisconductwillbetakenasworthyoffullinvestigation. 2. Presumptionofinnocenceoftherespondent(s)shallbemaintaineduntilsuchtime,ifany,astherespondentisproventobeguilty(2004Discipline¶2701,“FairProcessinJudicialProceedings”). 3. Therightsofthoseinvolved,includingthecomplainant(s)/victim(s)andtheirfamilies,therespondentandhis/herfamily,andthecongregationorinstitution,shallbemaintaineduntilallfactshavebeencarefullyconsideredandappropriateactionsdetermined. 4. Thebishopshallhavetherightoffinalapprovaloverandsupervisetheimplementationofalldecisionsandagreementsreachedintheprocess. 5. Wheneveracomplaintmadeagainstaclergypersoninvolvesmisconductthatmaybesubjecttomandatoryreportingrequirementswithregardtocivilprocesses,suchasthesexualabuseofaminororavulnerableadult(e.g.,thedevelopmentallydisabled),uponreceivingsuchinformationthebishopand/orCabinetshallconsultlegalcounselastowhethertheallegationsareinfactsubjecttotheserequirementsandshallnotifythecivilauthoritieswhereappropriate.


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B.ProceduresWhenSexualMisconductIsAlleged Whensexualmisconductisalleged,alloftheprovisionsof¶362(“ComplaintProcedures”)ofthe2004BookofDisciplineshallbeineffect.Inconcertwith¶362,thefollowingproceduresshallbeineffectastheProceduralPolicyoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConference: 1. Writtenandsignedcomplaintsmaybereceivedorinitiatedbythebishopand/orCabinet.Acomplaintmaybebroughtbyacomplainant(s)orbyotherswhohaveverifiableknowledgeandwhoarewillingtopursuearesolution.Ifacomplaintissubmittedtoadistrictsuperintendent,thesuperintendentshallpromptlysharethecomplaintwiththebishop.Insituationswheresexualmisconductisperceivedtohaveoccurred,butwherethecomplainantdoesnotbelievethatawrittenandsignedcomplaintisimmediatelynecessary,thecomplainantmayseekinformalconsultationwiththebishop,Cabinet,oratrustedmemberoftheclergy. 2. Fromthebeginningofthisprocesstoitscompletion,thebishopand/orCabinetshallseekajustresolutionand/orreconciliationbetweenallparties(see“SupervisoryResponse,”2000Discipline¶359.1b).Thesupervisoryresponseisnotpartofanyjudicialprocess. 3. Thebishopand/orCabinetshallmeetwiththecomplainant(s)andshall: a.explaintheprocessandtheprocedurestobefollowedinresponsetothecomplaint,includingthemeaningofthesupervisoryresponse(2004Discipline¶362.1b); (1) thecomplainant(s)shallbeencouragedtobringonesupportpersonwithhim/hertoanymeetingorhearingatanypointintheprocess; (2) thisexplanationshallalsobecompletedinthepresenceofanotherpersonorpersons,chosenbythebishop,whoshallbepresentwhetherornotthecomplainant(s)choosestobringasupportperson;oneofthesepersonschosenbythebishopshallbeofthesamegenderasthecomplainant(s); (3) completeandtotalconfidentialityisexpectedofallpersonswhoattendanymeetingorhearingduringtheprocess;and b.encourageandassistthecomplainant(s)toprovideawrittenandsignedstatementallegingsexualmisconduct,andtherelatedfacts,makingitcleartothecomplainant(s)thatthisinformationwillbesharedwiththerespondent. 4. Thebishopand/orCabinetshallmakecontactwiththerespondenttoinformhim/herthatacomplaintallegingsexualmisconducthasbeenmade.Ameetingwiththebishop,and/orCabinet,andtherespondentwillbeheldassoonaspossibletoshare:theallegationsofsexualmisconduct;themeaningofthesupervisoryresponse(2004Discipline¶362.1b);themeaningofsuspension(i.e.,“administrativeleave”);themeaningoffairprocess(2004Discipline¶2701);andtheprocesstobefollowed(2004Discipline¶362)anditspurpose.Thebishopand/ortheCabinetshallemphasizetotherespondentthepresumptionofinnocenceandtherighttofairprocess.Thebishopand/orCabinetshallalso: a.informtherespondentthatthemeetingshalldealwithallegationsofsexualmisconductincludingthefactthattherespondentshallbegranted“therighttobeaccompaniedbyanotherpersontoanyjudicialprocesshearingtowhichtheyaresubject”(2004Discipline¶2701.3); b.completethisexplanationinthepresenceofanotherpersonorpersons,chosenbythebishop,whoshallbepresentwhetherornottherespondentchoosestobringasupportperson;atleastoneofthesepersonschosenbythebishopshallbeofthesamegenderastherespondent;and c.emphasizetoallpartiesthatcompleteandtotalconfidentialityisexpectedofallpersonswhoattendanymeetingorhearingduringtheprocess. 5. Atthismeetingwiththerespondent,thebishopand/orCabinetshall: a.providetherespondenttheopportunitytoreadthecomplainant’swrittenand

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signedstatement,aswellasanyothersupportingmaterials;thesearetobereadinthepresenceofthebishopand/orCabinetandshallbereturnedtothebishoporCabinetbeforetheendofthemeeting;and b.asktherespondentforawrittenandsignedresponsetotheallegationswhichistobereturnedtothebishop’sofficewithintwenty-fourhours. 6. Thebishopand/orCabinetshallprovidethecomplainant(s)theopportunitytoreadtherespondent’swrittenandsignedresponse,aswellasanyothersupportingmaterials;thesearetobereadinthepresenceofthebishopand/orCabinetandshallbereturnedtothebishoporCabinetbytheendofthemeeting. 7. Followingthemeetingswithboththecomplainantandtherespondent,thebishopshalldeterminewhetherornotthenatureofthecomplaintis“administrative”(amatterinvolvingcompetencyandeffectiveness)or“judicial”(amatterinvolvingachargeableoffenseunder¶2702ofthe2004Discipline).AlladministrativecomplaintsshallbereferredtotheBoardofOrdainedMinistry.Alljudicialcomplaints(includingallcomplaintsofsexualmisconduct)shallbereferredtothecounselforthechurchwhoshallprepare,sign,andforwardthecomplainttotheCommitteeonInvestigation(2004Discipline¶362.1d.1). 8. Whenthematterisreferredtothecounselforthechurch,thebishopand/orCabinetshallalsoimmediatelyrecommendthesuspensionoftherespondenttotheExecutiveCommitteeoftheBoardofOrdainedMinistry(2004Discipline¶362.1c). 9. Upontherecommendationbythebishopand/orCabinetandtheapprovaloftheExecutiveCommittee,suspension(i.e.,“administrativeleave”)shallbeinplaceforallclergypersonsaccusedofsexualmisconduct,whetherornottherespondentconfessestothecomplainant’sallegations.Suspensionisnotintended,norisittobeinterpreted,aspunitiveactiontowardtherespondent;itistobeunderstoodasa“neutralcategory”duringwhichtheproceduresofthisProtocolarefollowed: a.duringthesuspension,salary,housing,andbenefitswillcontinueatalevelnolessthanonthedateofsuspension;thecongregation(s)orinstitutionofemploymentshallassumethesecosts; b.thepersonsosuspendedshallretainallrightsandprivilegesasstatedinthe2004Discipline¶329.2and¶334.1; c.duringthesuspension,therespondentshallnotcommunicateinanyformalcapacity,verballyorinwriting,withmembersofanycongregations/hehasservedorisserving;specifically,therespondentmaynotpresenthis/hercaseinanyformatoutsideofthisProtocolduringtheperiodofsuspension;allcommunicationbetweenthesuspendedpastorandthecongregation(s)shallbethroughthedistrictsuperintendent; d.thecostofsupplyforthepastoralchargeduringthesuspensionwillbebornebytheAnnualConference; e.ifasettlementoragreementsatisfactorytoallpartiesisachievedatanypointduringthesixtydays,thebishopshallimmediatelyremovetherespondentfromsuspensionandshallalsoinformtheExecutiveCommitteeoftheBoardofOrdainedMinistryandthelocalCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee. 10. Intheeventthattherespondentfailstoappearforanysupervisoryinterview,orrefusesmail,orrefusestocommunicatepersonallywiththebishopand/ordistrictsuperintendent,orotherwisefailstorespondtosupervisoryrequests,suchactionsorinactionsshallnotbeusedasanexcusetoavoidordelayanyChurchprocesses,andsuchprocessesmaycontinuewithouttheparticipationofsuchindividual(2004Discipline¶362.2f). 11. Followingthesuspensionoftherespondent,thebishop,ordistrictsuperintendentinconsultationwiththebishop,shallcommunicateinwritingwiththeCommitteeonPastor-Parish


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Relations,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee,thenatureoftheallegations,butnotthespecificdetails;themeaningofsuspension(i.e.,“administrativeleave”);andtheprocedureswhichwillfollow.AllofthisinformationshallbeprovidedtotheCommitteeforsharingwiththecongregation(s)(2004Discipline¶2701.8).Iftherespondentconfessestotheallegationsorsurrenderscredentialsasaresultoftheallegationsduringthejudicialprocess,thebishopand/orCabinetshallinformtheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee,andthecongregation,oftheconfessionorofthereasonforthesurrenderingofcredentials. 12. Notwithstandinganyoftheabove,inanyofthecommunicationstotheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelationsortotheExecutiveCommitteeoftheBoardofOrdainedMinistry,theidentityofthecomplainant(s)shallnotbedisclosedexceptuponwrittenpermissionofthecomplainant(s). 13. Atanypointinthisprocess,thebishopand/orCabinetmaychoosetoconsultwithoremploytheSexualMisconductResponseTeam.StepsinthedeploymentoftheSexualMisconductResponseTeamincludethefollowing: a.thebishopordistrictsuperintendentshallinformthecomplainant(s)andtherespondentthataSexualMisconductResponseTeamwillmeetwitheachpartytoenablefeelingstobesharedandexpressed; b.oneTeamshallworkprimarilywiththecomplainant(s)tohelpdetermineifajustresolutionand/orreconciliationbetweenallpartiescanbereached.Noeffortwillbemadetolimitthecomplainant’soptionsinanyway.Thecomplainant(s)willbefreeatalltimestocontinuetheComplaintProcedureifthatishis/herwish.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamshallseektoprovideemotionalandspiritualsupportforthecomplainantand/orthecomplainant’sfamilyinanywaypossible.AllinformationsharedwiththemembersofthisTeambythecomplainant(s)shallbeheldconfidentialwithintheTeams; c.thesecondTeamshallworkprimarilywiththerespondenttohelpdetermineifajustresolutionand/orreconciliationbetweenallpartiescanbereached.Again,noeffortswillbemadetolimittherespondent’soptionsinanyway.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamshallseektoprovideemotionalandspiritualsupportfortherespondentand/ortherespondent’sfamilyinanywaypossible.AllinformationsharedwiththemembersofthisTeambytherespondentshallbeheldconfidentialwithintheTeams; d.athirdTeamshallalsomeetwiththeCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee,tohelpinsurethatallissuesofthecongregationareheard.AllinformationsharedwiththemembersofthisTeambythemembersoftheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee,shallbeheldconfidentialwiththeTeams; e.incaseswhereacomplainant(s)isamemberofacongregationotherthantherespondent’scurrentappointment,anadditionalTeamshallalsomeetwiththatCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee,tohelpinsurethatallissuesoftheadditionalcongregation(s)areheard.AllinformationsharedwiththemembersofthisTeambytheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelationsoftheadditionalcongregation(s)shallbeheldconfidentialwithintheTeams; f.whenappropriate,theDistrictCommitteeonSuperintendencyfordistrictsuperintendents,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittees,shallbeconsultedifasuperintendentoraclergypersoninanadministrativepositionisaccusedofsexualmisconduct.Anyoneseekingtobringacomplaintofsexualmisconductagainstabishopisreferredtotheprovisionsof¶413ofthe2004Discipline.Itisimportanttobegintheprocessofhealingintheplaceswheretheclergypersonhasworked.AttendingtothepainofacongregationwhereaclergypersonhasbeenaccusedofactinginsexuallyinappropriatewaysisavitalconcernoftheChurch.

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14. Ifajustresolutionand/orreconciliationbetweenallpartiescanbereached,theSexualMisconductResponseTeamsshallreportthistothebishopand/orCabinet.Uponreceivingthereport,thebishopand/orCabinetshallcommunicateinwritingwiththeCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee,tobesharedwiththecongregation(s),orotherappropriateentity,thatasettlementoragreementsatisfactorytoallpartieshasbeenreached.Incaseswheretherespondenthasconfessedtotheallegationsofsexualmisconduct,orhassurrenderedordersasaresultofallegationsofsexualmisconduct,thebishopand/orCabinetshallsoinformtheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee.Intheeventthebishopdoesnotapproveoftheresolutionand/orreconciliation,themattermaybereturnedtotheparties,withthebishop’srecommendations,forfurtherdiscussionuntilthepartiesandthebishopreachajustresolutionand/orreconciliationoruntilthepartiesandthebishopconcludenoresolutionand/orreconciliationcanbereached.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamswillbeavailableforfurthermeetingswithanyofthepartiesforcontinuedsupportandconsultationandmaymakesuggestionsoffurthertherapyorotherreferralsforeitherorbothoftheparties. 15. WhentheCommitteeonInvestigationprocessisinvolved,thebishop,and/orCabinet,shallinformthecomplainant(s)oftheCommittee’sresponseimmediatelyaftertherespondentisinformed.Ifthecomplainant(s)isdissatisfiedwiththedecision,s/heshallbeinformedofproceduresthecomplainant(s)mayfollow.AnyfurtheractioninvolvingtherespondentbytheCommitteeonInvestigationshallbemadeknowntothecomplainant(s). 16. DuringallpartsoftheComplaintProcedure,complainants,victims,andrespondentsarestronglyencouragedtoinitiatestepsforpersonalhealing,especiallythroughcounselingandtherapy.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamswillbeparticularlyavailabletoanyofthepartiesforappropriatereferralsandsupport. 17. Notwithstandinganyoftheabove,inanyofthecommunicationsbytheSexualMisconductResponseTeamstotheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,thecongregation(s),oranyotherentity,theidentityofthecomplainant(s)shallnotbedisclosedexceptuponwrittenpermissionofthecomplainant(s).

C.ReconciliationandRehabilitationinCasesWhereSexualMisconductHasOccurred 1. “UnderstandingForgiveness.”Clergypersons,likemembersofanyprofession,mustbesubjecttodisciplineiftheyhavenotadheredtotheprofessionalstandardstheyareexpectedtofollow.Itisimportantinthisregardtodistinguishtheconceptof“discipline”fromtheconceptof“forgiveness.”AstheBodyofChrist,theChurchproclaimsGod’sforgivenesstoallwhohavesinnedandwhoaskforforgiveness.Aclergypersoninvolvedinsexualmisconductreceivesthisforgivenesslikeanyoneelse.However,thefactthataclergypersonisforgivendoesnotmeanthattheclergypersoncanavoidtheconsequencesofactionsamountingtoprofessionalmisconduct. 2. “PermanentFile.”Incaseswheretherespondentisfoundtobeguiltyofsexualmisconductbutwhereareturntoitinerancyisrecommended,therecordofthesexualmisconductshallbecarriedintherespondent’spermanentfileanddisclosedtothePastor-ParishRelationsCommittee,orotherappropriatepersonnelcommittee,inallfutureappointments. 3. “TheRightsofandResponsibilitiesfortheVictim(s)andRespondent.”Thebishopandthedistrictsuperintendentwillendeavorto: a.initiateaprocesstoseekhealingandrestorationforallofthevictimsincludingtheabusedperson(s)andtheirfamilies,thefamilyoftherespondent,andthecongregation(s),andtoalsoinitiateaprocesstoseekhealingandrestorationfortherespondent;theSexualMisconductResponseTeamshallbeoneoftheresourceswhichmaybedeployedbythebishoporthedistrictsuperintendentforhealingandrestoration;


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b.workwiththepresentornewclergyperson(s)tominimizefurthervictimizationbytheattitudesofandactionsbythecongregation(s); c.inviteclergycolleagues,asappropriate,tobeapartofthehealingprocess;and d.clarifywiththeoffendingclergypersonhis/hermoralandethicalresponsibilityforassistingfinanciallyintherehabilitationofthevictim(s).

D.DisclosureandRecordsinCasesWhereSexualMisconductHasOccurred 1. Disclosureincasesofsexualmisconductisrequired.Suchinformationshallbesharedwiththesuccessorclergyperson(s)andwithpresentandfuturePastor-ParishRelationsCommittees,ortheappropriatepersonnelbodyofchurchesorinstitutionstheclergypersonhasserved. 2. Whencredentialshavebeensurrenderedbecauseofsexualmisconduct,theExecutiveSessionoftheAnnualConferenceshallbeinformedthroughtheannualreportoftheBoardofOrdainedMinistry. 3. FullinformationofsexualmisconductandsubsequentactionstakenbytheUnitedMethodistChurchshallbekeptintherespondent’spermanentrecordinthebishop’soffice.Ifarespondentsurrendersordersasaresultofsexualmisconduct,theinformationregardingthemisconduct(allegations,response,confession,resultofdueprocess,etc.)shallalsobekeptinhis/herpermanentrecordinthebishop’soffice. 4. Asummaryofthecongregation’sexperiencewiththecaseofsexualmisconduct,preparedbythebishopordistrictsuperintendent,shallbeplacedinthelocalchurch’spermanentfileinthedistrictoffice.

E.RecordsinCasesWhereaChargeofSexualMisconductIsNotSustained Incaseswhereachargeofsexualmisconductiseitherwithdrawnornotsustainedbyinvestigation,one(1)completeconfidentialrecordoftheallegedsexualmisconduct,investigation,andoutcomeshallberetainedinthebishop’soffice.Nootherofficialrecordofthemattershallberetained.

III.SexualMisconductResponseTeamA.TeamDesign 1. NeutralmediationteamswithintheBaltimore-WashingtonConferencewillberecruitedandtrained. 2. Ineachcomplaint,threewomenandthreemenmaybedeployed.OneTeamwillbeassignedtothecomplainant(s),asecondTeamtotherespondent,andathirdTeamtothecongregation(s),orotherappropriateentity. 3. EveryeffortshallbemadetoensurethatTeamsarebalancedwithregardtogender,ethnicity,andlay/clergyparticipation.

B.TeamRecruitmentandTraining 1. TheCommissiononClergy&CongregationalCare,inconsultationwiththebishopandCabinet,willberesponsiblefortherecruitmentofallTeammembers.AnypersoninterestedinservingasaTeammembermaysubmithis/hernametotheCommission.TheCommissionshallrecommendTeammemberstothebishopandtheCabinet,whowillreviewtheTaskForcemembership;noTeammembershallbeselectedwithouttheapprovalofthebishopandCabinet.

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2. TheCommissionwillalsoberesponsibleforthetrainingofallteammembersandwillassumeallrelatedtrainingcosts.

IV.PublishingoftheProtocol&Procedures ThePolicy&ProtocolonClergySexualMisconductshallbepublishedannuallyintheJournaloftheBaltimore-WashingtonConference. QuestionsandinquiriesregardingthePolicy&ProtocolmaybedirectedtotheChairpersonoftheCommissiononClergy&CongregationalCare. AllclergypersonsareresponsibleforbeinginformedaboutthePolicyStatement& ProtocolonClergySexualMisconduct.(TheoriginalPolicy&ProtocolonSexualMisconductwasfirstadoptedbytheBaltimore-WashingtoninOctober,1992,andwentintoeffectonJanuary1,1993.)

POLICY STATEMENT & PROTOCOL ON LAY SExUAL MISCONDUCT Of THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON

CONfERENCE Of THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1.PolicyStatementa.Introduction. Theexerciseoflayleadershipandauthoritywithinthelocalchurchandtheannualconfer-enceholdswithinitgreattrust,responsibility,andpower.Thistrustandresponsibilityprovidetheopportunityforuniquerelationshipsofgraceandcaring.Laypersonswithinthechurchsometimesviolatethetrustgiventhembytheabuseoftheirpower.Sexualmisconductisoneofthegravestviolationsofthistrustandwillnotbecondoned. ThisPolicyStatementoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConferencedealswiththespecificabuseofpowerbythoselaypersonswithinanyareaofministrywithintheConference,whoengageinsexualmisconduct.TheintentofthisPolicyStatementistoprovideforthesafetyofparishionersbyensuringaprotectiveclimate,protectthespecialcovenantalrelationshipbetweenparishionersandotherswithinthechurch,andensurethehealthandauthenticityofalllaityasavitalpartofthepriest-hoodofallbelievers.

B.TheologicalReflections OurrelationshipwithandknowledgeofGodguidesandilluminatesourreflectionsonthebehavioroflaypersonsandtherelationshiptosexualmisconduct.Someofthesereflectionsare:• Godcreatedusasembodiedsexualbeings,—ourselvesarenotseparatefromourbodies(Genesis2:18-25).• Godcallsustohonortheintegrityofourneighbors,andtheirauthorityovertheirownpersonhood(Deuteronomy22:25-27).• GodcallsusintocovenantwitheachotherwithinthefamilyofGod(Deuteronomy14:1-2;Ephesians4:14-16).• God,throughthechurch,callspastorstowitnesstothepreciousnessofbodies,ourownandothers,andtodeclarethateachpersonisuniqueandofdivineworth(ICorinthians6:19-20).• God’sgrace,freelygiventhroughJesusChrist,callsustobechannelsofgrace,notexploitation,andtobeagentsofhealingandredemption.Inlightoftheseunderstandings,whenwehonorthecompleteintegrityofanother,wehonorandremembertheBodyofChrist.


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C.DefinitionofSexualMisconduct 1. Sexualmisconductisanabuseofpowerthroughsexualcontactoractivity,notlimitedtosexualintercourse,inwhichalaypersonviolatesthefreechoice,orabusesthevulnerabilityofanyotherperson(adultorminor),client,churchstaffperson,orcolleague,withwhomthelaypersoncomesintocontactbecauseofthelayperson’spositionorareaorresponsibilitywithinthechurch. 2. Sexualharassmentisaformofsexualmisconductandisdefinedas“anyunwantedsexualadvanceordemand,eitherverbalorphysical,whichisperceivedbytherecipientasdemeaning,intimidating,orcoercive.”(1988BookofResolutions,p.375.ThepolicyonSexualHarassmentisfurtherdetailedinthedocumentpreparedbytheBoardofOrdainedMinistryandadoptedbytheAnnualConferenceinJuneof1992.) 3. Sexualmisconductbreaksthesacredtrustinherentinbaptismandchurchmembership.Anysuchsexualmisconductbyalaypersonshallbeseenasachargeableoffense(2004Discipline¶2702).Alllaypersonsshallberesponsiblefortheirownbehavior.

D.Definitionof“grievant”and“victim” 1. InthispolicystatementoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConference,a“grievant”isunderstoodtobeapersonwhosubmitsawrittenandsignedgrievanceforarbitration. 2. Whileagrievantmayalsobeanallegedvictim,thePolicyandProtocoloftheBaltimore-WashingtonConferencedoesnotassumethatthegrievantisanactualvictim.Theterm“victim”willbeusedincaseswhereeitheranaccusedlaypersonmakesconfessionofallegedsexualmisconductorwheretheaccusedlaypersonisproventobeguilty.

E.StandardsforLayConduct ThefollowingarestandardswhichunderliethisPolicyStatementanditsdefinitionofsexualmisconductbylaypersons: 1. Laypersons,bothwithinthelocalchurchandtheAnnualConference,areresponsibleforavoidingsexualmisconductbyestablishingandmaintainingappropriatepersonalandsocialboundariesinallinterpersonalrelationships. 2. Laypersonsholdingpositionsofresponsibilitywithinthechurchareresponsiblefortheirconductregardingtheemotional,spiritual,andphysicalprotectionofallpersonswhocometothemforhelporoverwhomtheyhaveanykindofauthority.Breachofthisprotectiverelationshipisunethicalandabusiveevenwhensexualactivitiesareinitiatedbytheperson(s)towhomthelaypersonisministering.Becauseoftheimbalanceinpowerandtrustinsucharelationship,theperson(s)beingministeredtobythelaypersonshouldbepresumedtobeunabletogivemeaningfulconsenttoanysexualactivity. 3. Becauselaypersonsoftendealwithindividualswhoareemotionallyandpsychologicallyfragileorpersonallyvulnerable,itisimperativethattheselaypersons: a.beaspsychologically,emotionally,andspirituallyhealthyaspossibleatalltimes; b.haveadequatepreparationandeducationforhelpingthoseindividualsundertheircareandmakingappropriatereferrals; c.andhavecontinuedsupervisiontodealwiththeinherentriskcausedbydependencyand/ortransferencebetweentheparties. 4. Laypersonswhoarenotmembersofalocalcongregation,theAnnualConference,ortheUnitedMethodistChurch,butwhomaybeworkinginachurchfacilitywithchildrenandyouth(e.g.,Scoutleaders,etc.)areexpectedtomaintainthesamestandardsofbehaviorasaremembersofthecongregationoftheBaltimore-WashingtonAnnualConference.

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F.ResponsibilitytotheVictim(s) 1. Tobeavictimofsexualmisconductistoexperienceadevastatingbetrayaloftrust.Thevictimhastrustedthatthepowerandtheauthoritygiventoalaypersonwillbeusedforthewell-beingofallpersons.Inturningtothelayperson,personsbecomevulnerabletothelaypersonandtrustthattheirvulnerabilitywillberespectedandnotabused.Whenthelaypersonusesthepowerandresponsibilityinvestedinthatpositiontoabuseanddisrespectthetrustandvulnerabilityofpersons,theeffectsarepainfullytraumatic. 2. Whensexualmisconductoccurs,therearemanyvictims:theperson(s)whohasbeenabused,thespousesandfamiliesoftheabusedperson(s),thespouseandfamilyoftheaccusedlayperson(s),andthecongregationsandthelargercommunitysurroundingthem.WhileallthesevictimsarenotaddressedbycurrentdisciplinaryproceduresoftheUnitedMethodistChurch,allarehurtwhensexualmisconductoccurs.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamoftheConferencewillbeavailabletoprovideassistanceforthegrievant(s)aswellasappropriateinterventiononbehalfofthecongregation(s)orthelargercommunity(seeSection3). 3. Whenallegationsofsexualmisconductaremadeagainstalayperson,thegrievant(s)andvictim(s)willreceivesensitiveandrespectfulcarebothduringthetimeofinvestigationandthroughtheseasonofhealing.Bythesametoken,justicefortherespondent(s)willalsobemaintained.Carewillbetakentoprotecttheprivacyoftheaccusedlayperson,thegrievant(s),andthevictim(s). 4. ThisPolicy&Protocolalsoassertsthevitalimportanceofextendingpastoralcaretothegrievant.InadministeringtheinitialstepsintheProtocol,however,itmaynotbepossibleforthepastorofthechurchtoalsoprovidepastoralcaretothegrievant.Pastorsarethereforeencourage,inconsultationwiththePPRC,toofferalternatepastoralcareopportunitiestoeitherthegrievant,theaccused,orboth.Whenthepastorpresentssuchpossibilitiestothegrievantortheaccused,noassumptionsshouldbemadebyeitherpartorbymembersofthecongregation,astothepastor’sdispositionofthecase.

G.ExpectationsoftheCovenantalRelationshipofChurchMembers. Laypersonsareboundinacovenantofmutualrespectandresponsibility,includingacalltoexemplarylivingwhichincarnatestheGospel: 1. Becauseofthiscovenantwiththechurchinherentinbaptismandmembership,laypersonsarecalledtoremainfaithfultotheChurchbynotignoringknowledgeofsexualmisconductbyotherlaypersons: a.“knowledgeofsexualmisconduct”isunderstoodtobespecificinformation,notsuggestions,rumors,orinnuendos; b.thisPolicyStatementshallnotbeunderstoodasgrantingotherlaitypermissiontogosearchingforsuchinformation;iftheinformationcomestoalayperson,thelaypersonistoapproachtheindividualdirectlyanddiscreetly; c.alaypersonwithknowledgeofsexualmisconductbyanotherlaypersonisencouragedtoapproachthelaypersonandsharetheknowledge,encouragetheotherpartytoceasethebehavior,andencouragetheindividualtoseekcounselingand/ortherapy; d.whenalaypersonpossessesknowledgeofsexualmisconductbyanotherlaypersonandthesecondindividualrefusesorisunabletostopthebehavior,thelaypersonwiththeknowledgeofsexualmisconductisencouragedtoreporttheknowledgetothepastor,bishop,orthedistrictsuperintendent. 2. Laypersonsaretodotheirutmosttosupportthosewhofeelvictimizedandtoencouragethemtosubmittheirgrievancesdirectly:


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a.if,forwhateverreason,individualswithgrievancesdonotchoosetomakeareport,thelaypersonwhohasknowledgeofallegationsofsexualmisconductbyanotherlaypersonshallmakeeveryefforttoworkwiththeallegedvictim(s)tohelphimorhertomakeafullreportofthegrievance,especiallyincludingreferringthegrievanttoappropriateplacesforhealing;

b.theSexualAbuseTaskForcewillbeavailabletothelaitywithintheConferencetoassistthemintheseefforts. 3. Alaypersonwhojoinsacongregationwhereotherlaityhavebeensexuallyirresponsiblefindthemselveslivingwiththeconsequencesarisingfromlaysexualmisconduct.Whenfriendsinthechurcharecaughtinthewebofsexualmisconduct,laypersonspersonsoftenfindthemselvescaughtbetweencaringforapersonalfriendinvolvedinsexualmisconductandcaringforthehealthandauthenticityofthechurchatlarge.IntentionalsupportfromthebishopandtheCabinetistobegiventobothtochurchesandotherareaswithintheAnnualConferencewheresexualmisconductbyalaypersonhasoccurred. 4. Uponrequest,theBaltimore-WashingtonConferenceshallprovidealistoflegalresources,inadditiontotheConferenceChancellor,whowillbeavailabletoofferconfidentialandlegalcounselofanyofthefollowing:laypersonswhothemselvesarenow,orwhooncewere,in-volvedinsexualmisconduct;laypersonsorpastorswithknowledgeofsexualmisconductbyanotherlayperson;laypersonswhobelievetheyhavebeenfalselyorunfairlyaccusedofsexualmisconduct;orlaypersonswhomayfeelthattheyarevictimsofsexualmisconduct.Thepurposeofthisendeavorshallbetorecommendlegalcounselpertainingtosexualmisconduct.Thoseprovidingsuchlegalcounselshallalsobeaskedtoencourageanyoftheabovetoseekdirectcounselingand/ortherapy. 5. Finally,theeffectsofsexualmisconductbyalaypersonarealsofeltbyotherparishionerswithinthelocalchurch,bypastorsappointedtothechurch,andbythelaityatlargewithintheConference.Wheneveroneofusactsinsexuallyinappropriateways,weexperiencehurtandgriefoverthebreakingofthespecialcovenantalrelationshipbetweenmembersintheChurchofJesusChrist.

H.ExpectationsoftheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations 1. TheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelationsofthelocalchurchischargedwithmonitoringthegeneralhealthofthecongregation.Becauseofthisroleofleadership,membersoftheCommitteehavearesponsibilitytobealerttopossiblelaysexualmisconductwithinthecongregationandtoreportknowledgeofsuchbehaviortothepastor,andeitherthedistrictsuperintendentorbishop.If,forwhateverreason,individualswithgrievancesdonotchoosetomakeareportofsexualmisconduct,membersoftheCommitteeshalldotheirutmosttosupportthosewhofeelvictimizedandencouragethemtobecomefamiliarwiththePolicyStatement&ProtocolonLaySexualMisconductandtosubmittheirgrievancesdirectly.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamwillbeavailabletolocalCommittees,orotherpersonnelcommittees,toassistthemintheseefforts. 2. AsanestablishedpolicyoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConference,alllaypersons,bothsalariedandvolunteer,whoworkwithchildrenandyouthshallbescreenedonanannualbasis(“Questionnaire&ResponseFormonSexualMisconductbyLayPersons&UnappointedClergyWhoWorkwithchildren&Youth”).ByactionoftheAnnualConference,theQuestionnaireshallbeadministeredbyallchurchesintheBaltimore-WashingtonConference,andbyallconferenceagencieswhichministertochildrenandyouth.ThePPRCofeachlocalchurch,ortheappropriateConferenceagency,ischargedwithadministeringtheQuestionnaire&Responseform. 3. Inadditiontotheissueofsexualmisconduct,asdefinedaboveinthisPolicy(#1.c.1-3),theCommitteeonPastorParishRelationsmayalsobeconfrontedwiththerelatedissuesofsexualharassmentorsexualabusebylaypersonswithinalocalcongregationorwithintheAnnual

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Conference.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamisavailabletothePPRC,andtootherappropriateconferenceagencies,forconsultationandsuggestedcoursesofactioninrespondingtosuchissues. 4. ThemembersofthePPRCshallbetrainedbytheConferenceCommissiononClergy&CongregationalCareonissuesrelatedtoconfidentialityandsexualmisconduct.

I.SuspensionofLayPersonsAccusedofSexualMisconduct 1. ItshallbethepolicyoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConferencethatthebringingofanallegationofsexualmisconductbyawrittenandsignedgrievancebyagrievantagainstalaypersonshallqualifyascircumstancesappropriateforthesuspensionofthatlaypersonfromanystaffpositionheldwithinthechurchorAnnualConference,orfromanyvoluntaryorelectedposition(2004Discipline,¶259.2.f.12)heldwithinalocalchurchorAnnualConference,toprotectthewell-beingofthechurchandthelayministryofthechurch. 2. Whenawrittenandsignedgrievanceofsexualmisconductisbroughtagainstalayperson,thepastorofthechurch,inconsultationwiththedistrictsuperintendent,shallimmediatelysuspendtheaccusedlaypersonfromanyareaofresponsibilitywithinthelocalchurch(“administrativeleave”),salariedorvoluntary.Inthecaseofsalariedpersonnel,consultationwiththePPRCshallalsotakeplace(2004Discipline,¶259.2.f.12).Whentheaccusedlaypersonholdspositionsofrespon-sibilitywiththeAnnualConference,eithersalariedorvoluntary,thedistrictsuperintendentand/orthebishopshallsuspendthesaidlaypersonfromallareasofresponsibility.Alllaypersonsagainstwhomallegationsofsexualmisconductaremadeshallbesuspendedforaperiodnottoexceedsixtydayswhileproceduresarefollowed.Suspensionisa“neutralcategory”,implyingneitherinnocencenorguilt,duringwhichallpartieswillreceivefairprocess(2004Discipline,¶2701).

J.ResponsibilitytotheAccused. 1. Ineveryinstanceinwhichallegationsofsexualmisconductaremadeagainstalayperson,everyeffortshallbemadetomaintainjusticefortheaccused.Presumptionofinnocenceoftheaccusedlaypersonshallbemaintaineduntilsuchtime,ifany,asthelaypersonconfessesguiltorisproventobeguilty(see2.A.1).Itisimperative,therefore,thatthepastor,thechairpersonofthePPRC,andthemembersofthePPRCadheretothehigheststandardsofimpartialitythroughoutalloftheproceedings.Throughout,thepastorandthechairpersonofthePPRCshallreiterate,asoftenasshouldprovenecessary,thattheProtocolimpliesneitherinnocencenorguiltonthepartoftheaccusedlayperson. 2. ThisPolicy&Protocolalsoassertsthevitalimportanceofextendingpastoralcaretotheaccusedlayperson.InadministeringtheinitialstepsintheProtocol,however,itmaynotbepossibleforthepastorofthechurchtoalsoprovidepastoralcaretotheaccusedlayperson.Pastorsarethereforeencouraged,inconsultationwiththePPRC,toofferalternatepastoralcareopportunitiestoeitherthegrievant,theaccused,orboth.Whenthepastorpresentssuchpossibilitiestothegrievantortheaccused,assumptionsshouldnotbemadebyeitherpartyorbymembersofthecongregationsastothepastor’sdispositionofthecase. 3. Incaseswhereagrievantwithdrawsawrittenandsignedgrievance,orwhereitisdeterminedthattheallegationsagainstalaypersonarefalse,everyeffortshallbemadebythepastorandthechairpersonofthePPRC,orbythedistrictsuperintendentand/orbishopincasesintheAnnualConference,toprotectandrehabilitate,whennecessary,thereputationandnameofthelayperson.

K.BreakingtheSilence. 1. Breakingthesilencewhensexualmisconducthasoccurredhasthepowerto


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releasepersons,bothperpetratorsandvictims,fromthebondageofsecrecy,denial,andguiltthatresultsfromsexualmisconduct.Whenbringingincidentsoflaysexualmisconducttotheattentionofproperauthorities,thegreatestpossiblecareshallbetakentoassurethattheleastpossibleadditionalharmisdonetothegrievant(s)and/orvictim(s),theperpetrator(s),andthecongregation(s).Procedureswillbefollowedstrictlyandcarefullywithrespectforboththegrievant(s)andtheaccusedlayperson. 2. Whenawrittenandsignedcomplaintallegingsexualmisconductagainstalaypersonismade,itshallbepresentedtothepastorandtothechairpersonoftheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations.Thegrievant,afterconsultationwiththepastorandchairpersonofthePPRCandunderconditionsofcompleteconfidentiality,maydecidetosharetheallegationswiththemembersofthePPRC.Iftheallegationsaretobeinvestigatedinthechurch,thisinformation,insummaryform,shallbeprovidedforsharingwiththecongregation(s)orotherappropriateentityoftheAnnualConference. 3. Iftheaccusedlaypersonconfessesguiltinsuchcases,orwhenithasbeendeterminedthatthelaypersonisguilty,thepastorshallseektoforwardsuchinformationtonewcongregationswithwhichthelaypersonmayaffiliate.Bysodoing,churchesintheBaltimore-WashingtonConferenceagreetoinsurethehealthofthewholechurchtothebestoftheirability.

2.ProtocolA.ProceduralAssumptions 1. Allwrittenandsignedcomplaintsofsexualmisconductwillbetakenasworthyoffullinvestigation. 2. Presumptionofinnocenceoftheaccusedlayperson(s)shallbemaintaineduntilsuchtime,ifany,asthelaypersonconfessesguiltorisproventobeguilty. 3. Therightsofthoseinvolved,includingthegrievant(s)/victim(s)andtheirfamilies,theaccusedlaypersonandhisorherfamily,andthecongregationorinstitution,shallbemaintaineduntilallfactshavebeencarefullyconsideredandappropriateactionsdetermined. 4. Thebishopshallhavetherightoffinalapprovaloverandsupervisetheimplementationofalldecisionsandagreementsreachedintheprocess. 5. Wheneveranallegationmadeagainstalaypersoninvolvesmisconductthatmaybesubjecttomandatoryreportingrequirements,suchasthesexualabuseofaminororavulnerableadult(e.g.,thedevelopmentallydisabled),uponreceivingsuchinformation,thepastorinconsultationwiththedistrictsuperintendentand/orthebishopandthechairpersonofthePPRC,shallconsultlegalcounselastowhethertheallegationsareinfactsubjecttotheserequirementsandshallnotifythecivilauthoritieswhereappropriate.

B.ProceduresWhenSexualMisconductIsAlleged. Whensexualmisconductisalleged,thefollowingproceduresshallbeineffectastheProceduralPolicyoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConference: 1. Writtenandsignedgrievancesmaybereceivedorinitiatedbythepastor,thedistrictsuperintendent,orthebishop.Agrievancemaybebroughtbyagrievant(s)orbyotherswhohaveverifiableknowledgeandwhoarewillingtopursuearesolution.Ifagrievanceissubmittedtoapastor,thepastorshallpromptlysharethegrievancewiththedistrictsuperintendentand/orbishop. a.Insituationswheresexualmisconductisperceivedtohaveoccurred,butwherethegrievantdoesnotbelievethatawrittenandsignedgrievanceisimmediatelynecessary,thegrievantmayseekinformalconsultationwiththepastor,thesuperintendent,and/orthebishop; b.Insituationswherethepastorinitiatesthewrittenandsignedgrievance,thepastorshallexcusehimorherselffromthecase;insuchsituations,thedistrictsuperintendentshall

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administertheProtocol. 2. Thepastorand/ordistrictsuperintendentinconsultationwiththebishop,shallmeetwiththegrievant(s)andshall: a.explaintheprocessandtheprocedurestobefollowedinresponsetothegrievance;

(1) thegrievant(s)shallbeencouragedtobringonesupportpersonwithhimorhertoanymeetingorhearingatanypointintheprocess; (2) thisexplanationshallalsobecompletedinthepresenceofthechairpersonofthePastor-ParishRelationsCommittee,and/orPPRCmembers,whoshallbepresentwhetherornotthegrievant(s)choosestobringasupportperson;oneofthesepersonschosenbythepastorshallbeofthesamegenderasthegrievant(s); (3) completeandtotalconfidentialityisexpectedofallpersonswhoattendanymeetingorhearingduringtheprocess; b.encourageandassistthegrievant(s)toprovideawrittenandsignedstatementallegingsexualmisconduct,andtherelatedfacts,makingitcleartothegrievant(s)thatthisinformationwillbesharedwiththeaccusedlayperson. 3. Thepastorshallbeauthorizedtosuspendthelaypersonaccusedofsexualmisconduct(i.e.,“administrativeleave”);fromallresponsibilitiesanddutieswithinthechurchwhichshallbeconfirmedbytheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelationswithintendays.WhenthelaypersonholdspositionsofresponsibilitywithintheAnnualConference,thedistrictsuperintendentand/orbishopshallbeauthorizedtolikewisesuspendlaypersonsaccusedofsexualmisconductfromallresponsibilitieswithintheAnnualConference. 4. Thepastor,inconsultationwithboththedistrictsuperintendentandthechairpersonofthePPRC,shallmakecontactwiththeaccusedlaypersontoinformhimorherthatallegationsofsexualmisconducthavebeenmade.AmeetingwiththepastorandthePPRCchairpersonandtheaccusedlaypersonwillbeheldassoonaspossibletoshare:theallegationsofsexualmisconduct;themeaningofsuspension(i.e.,“administrativeleave”);andtheprocesstobefollowedanditspurpose.ThepastorandthePPRCchairpersonshallemphasizethepresumptionofinnocenceandtherighttofairprocess: a.havingbeeninformedthatthemeetingshalldealwithallegationsofsexualmisconduct,theaccusedlaypersonshallbeencouragedtobringonesupportpersonwithhimorhertoanymeetingorhearingatanypointintheprocess; b.thisexplanationshallalsobecompletedinthepresenceofanotherpersonorpersons,chosenbythepastorinadditiontothePPRCchairperson,whoshallbepresentwhetherornottheaccusedlaypersonchoosestobringasupportperson;oneofthesepersonschosenbythepastorshallbeofthesamegenderastheaccusedlayperson; c.completeandtotalconfidentialityisexpectedofallpersonswhoattendanymeetingorhearingduringtheprocess. 5. Atthismeetingwiththeaccusedlayperson,thepastor,inconsultationwiththedistrictsuperintendent,shall: a.providethelaypersontheopportunitytoreadthegrievant’swrittenandsignedstatement,aswellasanyothersupportingmaterials;thesearetobereadinthepresenceofthepastorandthePPRCchairpersonandshallbereturnedtothepastorbeforetheendofthemeeting; b.askthelaypersonforawrittenandsignedresponsetotheallegationswhichistobereturnedtothepastor’sofficewithintwenty-fourhours; c.informthelaypersonthathisorhersuspension(i.e.,“administrativeleave”)fromallareasofresponsibility,salariedorvolunteer,iseffectiveimmediately.Thissuspensionwill


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besubmittedtothefullmembershipoftheCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelationsforconfirmationwithin10days. 6. Suspension(i.e.,“administrativeleave”)shallbeinplaceforalllaypersonsaccusedofsexualmisconduct,whetherornottheaccusedlaypersonconfessestothegrievant’swrittenandsignedcomplaint.Suspensionisnotintended,norisittobeinterpreted,aspunitiveactiontowardtheaccusedlayperson;itistobeunderstoodasa“neutralcategory”duringwhichtheproceduresofthisProtocolarefollowed: a.duringthesuspension,allsalarybenefitsforlaypersonsemployedbyalocalchurchorbytheAnnualConferencewillcontinueatalevelnolessthanonthedateofsuspension;thecongregation(s)orinstitutionofemploymentshallassumethesecosts; b.duringthesuspension,theaccusedlaypersonshallnotcommunicateinanyformalcapacityabouttheaccusations,verballyorinwriting,withmembersofthecongregationwhereheorsheisamemberorwithmembersofthecongregationwhereheorsheisemployedorwithmembersoftheAnnualConferenceagencywherethelaypersonisemployed;specifically,theaccusedlaypersonmaynotpresenthisorhercaseinanyformatoutsideofthisProtocolduringtheperiodofsuspension;allcommunicationbetweenthesuspendedlaypersonandanyotherpartyshallbethrougheitherthepastorandthePPRCchairpersonorthebishopanddistrictsuperintendent,dependinguponthecircumstance; c.incaseswherethelocalcongregationchoosestomakeuseoftheSexualMisconductResponseTeam,theAdministrativeBoardorAdministrativeCouncilofsuchcongregationshallberesponsibleforprovidingtheteam’sconsultationfees;suchfeesshallbecommensuratewithfeesusedinthePolicyandProtocolonClergySexualMisconduct;whentheSexualMisconductResponseTeamisrequestedbyanyotheragencyorcommitteeintheAnnualConferenceincasesoflaysexualmisconduct,suchagenciesorcommitteesshallassumeresponsibilityforprovidingtheteam’sconsultationfees; d.ifasettlementoragreementsatisfactorytoallpartiesisachievedatanypointduringthesixtydays,thepastorshallimmediatelyremovethelaypersonfromsuspension;incaseswherethelaypersonisemployedbytheAnnualConference,thebishopordistrictsuperintendentshallremovethelaypersonfromsuspensionuponsuchsettlement. 7. Followingthesuspensionoftheaccusedlayperson,thepastorand/orthechairpersonofthePPRC,inconsultationwiththebishopand/ortheCabinet,shallcommunicatetothecongregation: a.thattheaccusedlaypersonhasbeensuspendedfromallareasofresponsibilitywithinthecongregationbecauseofthefilingofacomplaintofsexualmisconduct;themeaningofsuspension(aperiodoftimenottoexceedsixtydaysduringwhichprocedureswillbefollowedtoexaminethecomplaintandreachadeterminationinregardtoit);andthatneitherthepastor,thechairpersonofthePastor-ParishRelationsCommittee,noranyothermemberofthePPRCshallprovideanyfurtherinformationordetailstothecongregation,ortoanyotherparty,aboutthenatureoftheallegations;and b.thattheexactformatofthiscommunicationshallbeasfollows:“Withinourcongregation,awrittenandsignedcomplaintallegingsexualmisconducthasbeenmadeagainst(nameofaccusedlayperson).AccordingtothePolicyoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConference,(nameofaccusedlayperson)hasbeensuspendedfromallareasofresponsibilitywithinourcongregationduringtheperiodofsuspension.SuspensionimpliesneitherinnocencenorguiltbutisaperiodoftimenottoexceedsixtydaysduringwhichthePPRCshallmakeadeterminationofthematter.NeitherthepastornoranymemberofthePPRCshallprovideanyfurtherinformationtothecongregation,ortoanyotherparty,aboutthenatureoftheallegations.Ifyouhaveaquestionoraconcernaboutthisprocess,aconfidentialtelephonecontactwiththeSexualMisconductResponse

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Teamfromtheconferenceisavailable.Thenumberis:(telephonenumber).” 8. Thepastor,inconsultationwiththedistrictsuperintendentand/orthebishop,shallprovidethegrievant(s)theopportunitytoreadtheaccusedlayperson’swrittenandsignedresponse,aswellasanyothersupportingmaterials;thesearetobereadinthepresenceofthepastorandshallbereturnedtothepastorbytheendofthemeeting: a.whenappropriate,thepastorshallbringthegrievant(s)andtheaccusedlaypersontogetherinaface-to-facemeetingtoexplorethepossibilitiesofresolutionand/orreconciliation; b.whenresolutionoccursintheprocess,thepastorshallcommunicatewiththecongregationorotherappropriateentity,thataresolutionbetweenthepartieshasoccurred. 9. ThePastor-ParishRelationsCommitteeshallbethebodywithinthelocalchurchchargedwithmakingadeterminationincaseswhereallegationsofsexualmisconductaremadeagainstalayperson.WhenallegationsagainstalaypersonarisefromsettingswithintheAnnualConference,thebishopand/orthedistrictsuperintendentshalldesignatetheparticulardistrictorconferencecommitteewhichshallmakeadeterminationinsuchcases. 10. Inseekingtomakeadeterminationincasesofallegedsexualmisconductagainstalayperson,CommitteesonPastor-ParishRelations,orothercommitteesoftheAnnualConferenceareencouragedtomakeuseoftheSexualMisconductResponseTeam: a.theSexualMisconductResponseTeamshallserveasthedesignatedtrainedneutralmediationteamwithintheBaltimore-WashingtonConferenceofTheUnitedMethodistChurch; b.insuchcases,theSexualMisconductResponseTeamshallprovideconsultationtothePPRC,orotherconferencecommittee,regarding:justiceforandreconciliationbetweenallparties;suggestedapproachesforthePPRC,orotherconferencecommittee,asitseekstomakeadetermination;andpossiblemediationinwhichallpartiesareassistedinreachingasettlementoragreementsatisfactorytoallparties; c.Uponrequest,membersoftheSexualMisconductResponseTeamwillbeavailabletoanyofthepartiesthroughoutthisprocess.Grievants,victims,andaccusedlaypersonsarestronglyencouragedtoinitiatestepsforpersonalhealing,especiallythroughcounselingandtherapy.TheSexualMisconductResponseTeamwillbeparticularlyavailabletoanyofthepartiesforappropriatereferralsandsupport. 11. Inmakingadeterminationincaseswherelaypersonshavebeenchargedwithsexualmisconduct,thePPRC,orotherappropriateconferencecommittee,shallseektoarriveataconsensus(“anopinionheldbyallormost”)withinthecommittee.Whilethisisnotalwayspossible,greatcareshallbetakenwithinthecommitteetoensure:thatallfactsinthecasehavebeenpresentedclearlyandfairly;thatallpartieshavehadtheopportunitytoexpresstheirmostdeeply-heldresponsestothecase;andthatallfeelingsandopinionsofcommitteemembersinclosedsessionshallbefairlyandsensitivelyreceivedbythePPRC. a.incaseswhereasettlementoragreementsatisfactorytoallpartieshasbeenreached,thepastorand/orthechairpersonofthePPRC,orotherappropriatecommittee,shallreporttothecongregation,orotherbody,thatsuchasettlementhasbeenreached;specificdetailsofsuchsettlementsoragreementsshallnotberevealedtothecongregation; b.incaseswherethelaypersonhasconfessedtotheallegationsofsexualmisconduct,orhassurrenderedchurchmembershipasaresultofallegationsofsexualmisconduct,thepastorand/orthechairpersonofthePPRC,orotherappropriatecommittee,shallsoinformthecongregation; c.incaseswherethePPRC,orothercommitteeoftheAnnualConference,determinesthattheallegationsofsexualmisconductareeithertrueornottrue,thepastorand/orthe


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chairpersonofthePPRCshallreportthenatureofthedeterminationtothecongregation; d.incaseswherethePPRC,orothercommitteeoftheAnnualConference,isunabletomakeadetermination,thepastorandthemembersofthePPRCshalldiscussotheroptionswithboththegrievantandtheaccusedlayperson;whendiscussingsuchoptions,thepastorandthePPRCshallmakecleartoeachpartythatthecommittee’sinabilitytomakeadeterminationneithervalidatesnorinvalidatesthenatureorsubstanceofthegrievant’sallegationsorthenatureandsubstanceofthelayperson’sresponsetotheallegations. 12. Incaseswherethelaypersonhassubmittedawrittenandsignedconfessiontoallegationsofsexualmisconduct,orincaseswherethelaypersonhasbeenfoundguiltyofchargesofsexualmisconductthroughthecivilcourts(“dueprocess”),thepastor,inconsultationwiththebishopand/orthedistrictsuperintendentandthechairpersonofthePPRC,shallrelievethelaypersonofallareasofoversightandresponsibilitywithinthelocalchurch.Whenthelaypersonwhosubmitsaconfessionand/orwhohasbeenfoundguiltyofsuchchargesisservingineitheravolunteerorsalariedpositionatanyotherlevelwiththeconference,thebishopand/ordistrictsuperintendentshallremovethelaypersonfromallareasofoversightandresponsibilitywithintheconference. 13. Notwithstandinganyoftheabove,inanyofthecommunicationsbythepastor,thechairpersonofthePPRC,membersofthePPRC,ortheSexualMisconductResponseTeamtothecongregations,oranyotherentity,theidentityofthegrievant(s)shallnotbedisclosedexceptuponwrittenpermissionofthegrievant(s).C.ReconciliationandRehabilitationinCasesWhereSexualMisconductHasOccurred 1. “UnderstandingForgiveness.”Laypersonswithinthelifeofthechurchmustbesubjecttodisciplineiftheyhavenotadheredtothestandardsandexpectationsofmembership.Itisimportantinthisregardtodistinguishtheconceptof“discipline”fromtheconceptof“forgiveness.”AstheBodyofChrist,theChurchproclaimsGod’sforgivenesstoallwhohavesinnedandwhoaskforforgiveness.Alaypersoninvolvedinsexualmisconductreceivesthisforgivenesslikeanyoneelse.However,thefactthatalaypersonisforgivendoesnotmeanthatheorshecanavoidtheconsequencesofactionswhichamounttoprofessionalmisconduct,especiallyinsituationswherethelaypersonisemployedbythelocalchurchorbeanagencyoftheAnnualConference.Whensuchlaypersons’behaviorisdeterminedtobe“disqualifying”,heorsheshallnotcontinueinanystaffpositionwithintheBaltimore-WashingtonConference. 2. “PermanentFile.”Incaseswherethelaypersonmakesaconfessionasaresultoftheallegations,orisfoundtobeguiltyofthecharges,theCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,ortheCouncilDirector(onbehalfofCPPP),shallkeepapermanentrecordofthemisconductinthechurch’sfiles,orintheOfficeoftheCouncilDirector. 3. “TheRightsofandResponsibilitiesfortheVictim(s)andAccusedLayPerson.”Thepastor,inconsultationwiththedistrictsuperintendentand/orthebishop,willendeavorto: a.initiateaprocesstoseekhealingandrestorationforallofthevictimsincludingtheabusedperson(s)andtheirfamilies,thefamilyoftheaccusedlayperson,andthecongregation(s),andtoalsoinitiateaprocesstoseekhealingandrestorationfortheaccusedlayperson;theSexualMisconductResponseTeamshallbeoneoftheresourceswhichmaybedeployedbythepastor,thedistrictsuperintendentand/orthebishop,forhealingandrestoration; b.workwiththeCommitteeonPastor-ParishRelations,orotherappropriatecommitteeoftheAnnualConference,tominimizefurthervictimizationbytheattitudesofandactionsbythecongregation(s); c.clarifywiththeoffendinglaypersonhis/hermoralandethicalresponsibilityforassistingfinanciallyintherehabilitationofthevictim(s).

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D.DisclosureandRecordsinCasesWhereSexualMisconductHasOccurred 1. Disclosureincasesofsexualmisconductisrequired.Suchinformationshallbesharedwiththesuccessorpastor(s)and,asmaybewiseornecessary,withpresentandfuturePastor-ParishRelationsCommittees,ortheappropriatepersonnelbodyofchurchesorinstitutionsinvolved. 2. Whenanofficehasbeensurrenderedbecauseofsexualmisconduct,thePastor-ParishRelationsCommittee,ortheappropriatepersonnelbodyshallbeinformed. 3. FullinformationofsexualmisconductandsubsequentactionstakenbytheUnitedMethodistChurchshallbekeptbythepastorinapermanentrecordandmaybeforwardedtothebishop’soffice.Ifalaypersonsurrendersanofficeasaresultofsexualmisconduct,theinforma-tionregardingthemisconduct(allegations,response,confession,resultofdueprocess,etc.)shallalsobekeptinapermanentrecordbythePastor-ParishRelationsCommittee. 4. Asummary,preparedbythebishopordistrictsuperintendent,shallbeplacedinthelocalchurch’spermanentfileinthedistrictofficeofthecongregation’sexperiencewiththecaseofsexualmisconduct.

E.RecordsinCasesWhereaChargeofSexualMisconductIsNotSustained Incaseswhereachargeofsexualmisconductiseitherwithdrawnornotsustainedbyinvestigation,one(1)completeconfidentialrecordoftheallegedsexualmisconduct,investigation,andoutcomeshallberetainedinthebishop’soffice.Nootherofficialrecordofthemattershallberequired.

3.SexualMisconductResponseTeamA.TeamDesign 1. Eachteamdeployedincaseofallegedsexualmisconductagainstalaypersonwillconsistofonewomanandoneman.Whenpossible,eachteamshallalsoberaciallyinclusive.

B.TeamRecruitmentandTraining 1. TheCommissiononClergy&CongregationalCare,inconsultationwiththebishopandCabinet,willberesponsiblefortherecruitmentofallTeammembers. 2. TheCommissionwillalsoberesponsibleforthetrainingofallteammembers.Thechairperson,orco-chairpersons,oftheSexualMisconductResponseTeamshallberesponsiblefortheassignmentofteammemberstospecificcases.

4.PublishingoftheProtocol&Procedures ThePolicy&ProtocolonClergySexualMisconductshallbepublishedannuallyintheJournaloftheBaltimore-WashingtonConference. QuestionsandinquiriesregardingthePolicy&ProtocolmaybedirectedtotheChairpersonoftheCommissiononClergy&CongregationalCareortothechairperson,orco-chairpersons,oftheSexualAbuseTaskForce. LaypersonsoftheBaltimore-WashingtonConferenceofTheUnitedMethodistChurchareresponsibleforbeinginformedaboutthePolicyStatement&ProtocolonLaySexualMisconduct.

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