Every day, we hear or read about individuals who have been taken advantage of or have been abused by people in positions of trust in the church.
The United Church is committed to providing a safe environment for worship, work, and study for its members. To this end, the church has developed a Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures booklet which is available to all staff and members of congregations. A copy of the booklet is available in the church office at St Mark’s or may be downloaded from the United Church web site. (www.united-church.ca/minstaff/pastoral/guidlines/sap )
The Theological Statement which prefaces the policy and procedures booklet states (in summary) that:
“God intends for all life freedom from abuse and injustice; God desires for all human beings, created in God’s image, mutual respect, care, protection, and empowerment.”
“Sexual abuse, exploitation, and misconduct are destructive to God’s people, violating the love we know in Jesus and negating people’s ability to develop and use their gifts of creativity and wholeness.”
“God calls us to resist injustice. … Recognizing that sexual abuse occurs when one uses her or his power to take advantage of the vulnerability of another and recognizing that it is a violation of both individual and community, we affirm God’s call to the church to be a transforming presence by promoting right relationships within its midst and in the world, in the name of the One who is our judge and our hope.”
“…misconduct undermines the integrity of … the whole church.
It is our responsibility as a church in order to maintain the integrity of the church to call to account anyone who uses her or his office to harm or exploit another. Such a person should not be allowed to represent our church in leadership or to use her or his status to gain access to vulnerable people.
The Church has outlined very specific procedures which must be followed if a complaint about misconduct is made. These procedures are designed to provide an opportunity for all involved to speak the truth; to acknowledge misconduct when it takes place; to hold offenders accountable; to extend compassion and healing to those who have been hurt; and to ensure that justice served.
Most of us hope and pray that we will never have to make use of these procedures. However misconduct does take place. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we need “to be as cautious as snakes and as gentle as doves”. (Mt. 10:16)
