GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OF ROSTERED LEADERS

GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OF ROSTERED LEADERS

This statement is a resource for all congregations and their members; as such, it is to be available and accessible.

WHY IS THIS NECESSARY?

Sexual misconduct by pastors and deacons is a topic that nobody really wants to acknowledge as being a problem in the church. Yet, for the sake of the Gospel, it must be addressed.

We believe that God's grace continues to be active in our lives today, as God's love heals and restores people even in the face of great damage and sin. Because the church is to be a place for healing and justice, it must recognize, prevent, stop, and heal sexual abuse. ¹

The expectations of this church regarding sexual conduct of all of God's people are grounded in the understanding that human sexuality is a gift from God. Because they are set apart for public ministry, pastors and deacons are expected to give particular care to this vision. The trust relationships integral to ministry, and the investment of authority, and therefore power, leave open the possibility for abuse. For this reason, the ELCA has made clear that pastors and deacons are expected to reject sexual promiscuity, the manipulation of others for purposes of sexual gratification, and all attempts of sexual seduction and sexual harassment. ²

WHAT IS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT?

Friendships and strong, healthy relationships between individuals within the Body of Christ are always appropriate. People who worship and pray and sing together have opportunities to build deep personal bonds. We encourage the development of such relationships and encourage Christians to express themselves in these relationships in ways that are appropriate.

The rostered minister is always responsible for setting appropriate boundaries in all relationships with parishioners, clients, staff members, organizational employees, and others with whom they are carrying out their responsibilities as a rostered minister. This policy is not about healthy relationships, appropriately expressed. This policy deals with the misuse of power by rostered leaders and with behaviors that are violations of appropriate boundaries. Such behavior may be unwelcome, or uninvited, or part of a pattern, but it is always inappropriate, even when objections remain unspoken.

Sexual misconduct shall be defined as any activity in which a rostered person engages in sexual behavior with a parishioner, client, staff member, organizational employee, or other person with whom the rostered person is carrying out their responsibilities as a rostered person. This can include, but is not limited to, kissing, fondling, sexual intercourse, oral sex, sexual jokes, inappropriate sexual conversation, or suggestions of sexual or romantic involvement. When a rostered person has acted in a sexually inappropriate way, the bishop needs to know, to begin an inquiry and respond appropriately.

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING MISCONDUCT

In the Metropolitan New York Synod, Bishop Egensteiner is the designated person to hear allegations of sexual misconduct. However, any of the persons listed on the back of this statement can serve as first contact. The bishop will personally investigate each allegation and will strive to be fair and just. The bishop is committed to assuring that congregations of the Synod are safe for all of God’s children.

• Step One: Call Bishop Egensteiner at his office (212-870-2373). The bishop’s executive assistant will answer the telephone. You will be treated with respect, and with confidentiality. When the Bishop is not in the office, the Executive Assistant to the Bishop generally asks what the call is about; feel free to state it is personal and urgent. The bishop will return your call. Bishop Egensteiner can also receive an initial report of misconduct at a meeting or other public event in which you have opportunity to speak with him. He will arrange to meet with you to hear the complete story.
• Step Two: Bishop Egensteiner will meet with you, normally at the Synod Office. For this meeting you are encouraged to have present with you an advocate (spouse, friend, pastor, or counselor), someone who can be with you for support and encouragement through the entire process. The bishop will normally arrange to have an advisor present as well. This person will take notes and help with the inquiry. This is a person the bishop trusts and can confide in for help and counsel in sexual misconduct. If you would have some difficulty with a particular advisor being present, simply alert Bishop Egensteiner to that fact. When you meet with the bishop, he will ask you to tell your story. Plan to be as specific as you can be about exactly what has taken place, and when the incident(s) took place. Feel free to refer to notes or a written account. Bishop Egensteiner may ask questions for clarification and may ask you to tell your story more than once so that the facts are clear to him. Following your visit, you will be kept informed of the process of the investigation, and of the bishop’s action in the matter.

FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL

PERSONS DESIGNATED TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF MISCONDUCT