The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #21 on Resolution A156 (Sexual Exploitation) and moved adoption of a substitute.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A156)

Resolved, The House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church recommit itself to the position taken by the General Convention in Resolutions 1991–B052 and 1994–A063 that sexual exploitation of adults by clergy and church employees have been and continue to be of deep concern to this Church, are abuses of trust, a violation of the Baptismal Covenant, contrary to Christian Character, and are, therefore wrong; and be it further

Resolved, That this Church acknowledge a clear and firm commitment to protect persons in the church from sexual exploitation; that we support this commitment with clear and firm policies and procedures for the well being of all; and that we commit this Church to being and becoming a place where people are safe from sexual exploitation; and be it further

Resolved, That each diocese adopt policies for the protection of those served by diocesan programs or personnel from sexual exploitation by clergy, Church employees or Church volunteers and that dioceses assist congregations in the development of such policies and procedures that address the following:

1. A screening and selection process for all clergy, lay employees and volunteers who work with vulnerable adults or who provide pastoral counseling, pastoral care, spiritual direction, or the sacraments.
2. The articulation of behavioral standards for clergy, lay employees, and volunteers who work with vulnerable adults or who provide pastoral counseling, pastoral care, spiritual direction, or the sacraments regarding appropriate behavior and inappropriate sexual or sexualized behavior towards adults to whom they are ministering.
3. Education and training regarding appropriate behavior and inappropriate sexual or sexualized behavior towards adults to whom they are ministering.
4. Guidelines for responding to concerns of sexual exploitation; and be it further

Resolved, That each diocese shall report to the House of Bishops Committee on Pastoral Development prior to the Spring 2009 House of Bishops meeting with a copy of its adopted and implemented policy and an evaluation of the history of its use. A summary report shall be made to the House of Bishops Spring 2009 meeting and a full report made to the 76th General Convention.

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirm the work already occurring in many dioceses and at the same time recommit itself to the positions taken by previous General Conventions that sexual misconduct (encompassing both sexual harassment and sexual exploitation) of adults by clergy, church employees, and volunteer workers has been and continues to be of deep concern to this Church, is an abuse of trust, a violation of the Baptismal Covenant, contrary to Christian character and is, therefore, wrong; and be it further

Resolved, That each diocese adopt policies for the protection from sexual misconduct of those served by diocesan programs, those who volunteer in the work of the diocese or are employed by the diocese, and that dioceses assist congregations in the development of such procedures and policies, including using the many resources that already exist, that address the following:

1. the articulation of behavioral standards for all clergy, lay employees, and volunteers who work with adults or who provide pastoral counseling, pastoral care, spiritual direction, or the sacraments;
2. a screening process for all clergy, lay employees, and volunteers who provide pastoral counseling and care, spiritual direction, or the sacraments and who supervise clergy or lay volunteers;
3. education and training for all clergy, lay employees, and volunteers as listed above, with particular attention paid to what legally constitutes sexual harassment and to appropriate behavior and inappropriate sexual or sexualized behaviors towards adults, and with periodic refresher training encouraged;
4. guidelines for responding to concerns of sexual misconduct; and be it further

Resolved, That each diocese shall report to the House of Bishops Committee on Pastoral Development prior to the Spring 2009 House of Bishops meeting with a copy of its adopted and implemented policy and an evaluation of the history of its use. A summary report shall be made to the House of Bishops Spring 2009 meeting and a full report made to the 76th General Convention.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #183)