Clergy Spouse Handbook - Wisconsin Conference United Methodist ...

HANDBOOK 2010 submitted.docPage 45 of 51 Pages4 Provide contacts for those clergy, clergy spouses, staff, volunteers and members whohave concerns or questions regarding sexual abuse or sexual harassment.Sexual misconduct is defined as "behavior of a sexualized nature that betrays sacred trust,violates the ministerial role, and exploits those who are vulnerable in that relationship.”Sexual abuse occurs when a person within a ministerial role of leadership (lay or clergy, pastor,educator, counselor, youth leader, or other position of leadership) “engages in sexual contact orsexualized behavior with a congregant, client, employee, student, staff member, coworker, orvolunteer.” (2004 Book of Resolutions, p. 150-51)Sexualized behavior is that which “communicates sexual interest and/or content. Examplesinclude, but are not limited to, displaying sexually suggestive visual materials; making sexualcomments or innuendo about one’s own or another person’s body; touching another person’sbody, hair, or clothing; touching or rubbing oneself in the presence of another person; kissing;and sexual intercourse.” (2004 Book of Resolutions, p. 151)Sexual harassment is defined as “a continuum of behaviors that intimidate, demean, humiliate,or coerce. These behaviors range from the subtle forms that can accumulate into a hostileworking, learning, or worshipping environment to the most severe forms of stalking, assault, orrape.” (2004 Book of Resolutions, p. 151)GenderSexual abuse and sexual harassment are not gender specific. Abusers or harassers and theirvictims may be of either gender.ProcedureIf you believe you have been sexually abused or harassed by clergy or staff, vendor, consultantor contractor, discuss it with:1 First level of supervision not named in the accusation (i.e. SPRC Chairperson, CircuitLeader, District Superintendent, Assistant to the Bishop, Bishop).2 Any level of leadership with whom she or he feels comfortable discussing the problem.The Book of Discipline specifies the standards expected of United Methodists and theresponsibilities to carry out these standards that lie in the hands of the congregations, clergy,church officers, district and conference structures, District Superintendents, and the Bishop. Thisresponsibility to deal with the tragedy of domestic violence is shared widely across our church.Investigation/Remediation ActionIn Wisconsin, the Bishop and Cabinet have made it clear that they take ministry standardsseriously. Thus anyone from a family of a clergy person or conference certified personnel whowould go to the Bishop and Cabinet with concerns about domestic abuse in their family can beconfident that justice and healing will be faithfully pursued through a process that takes intoconsideration the victim(s), family and offender. Once an incident has been reported to civilauthorities, then the issue is no longer in the hands of church authorities although they maychoose to make a response.Your Responsibility