Top Seven Responsible Steps in Responding to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct in Your Church

TOP SEVEN RESPONSIBLE STEPS IN RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN YOUR CHURCH

1. Identify alleged inappropriate sexual conduct.

2. If a minor is involved, you must report to your local Child Protective Services within 24 hours. SCF maintains confidentiality.

3. Allow courts due process.

4. Process allegations.
a. Take an elder and interview both sides of the allegations (Matt. 18). Do not interview any child. Child Protective Services are trained to do that.
b. Offender should temporarily be asked to resign or be removed from all church duties.
c. Offender should also be given a written letter expressing the church’s support for the offender as well as its concern for their children and that until this is resolved the offender must not have contact with children.
d. The offender should be expected to be supervised and accountable to one of the church elders for his whereabouts and behavior at all church related functions.
e. Collect and document all conversations and information.

5. If adults are involved, assist the victim in seeking counsel and evaluating the option of court involvement.

6. If the allegation is substantiated by the court, church board/business meeting must process: i.e., follow church manual with regards to church discipline.

7. Disclose:
a. A letter to the congregation, informing them of the situation.
b. Ask parents to take steps to protect their children and teach their children to protect themselves.
c. General church education: speakers, videos, etc.
d. Encourage healing.

[These are only suggested steps to assist in the processing of a sexual offender within the church. They are from the Family Life Sexual Abuse Taskforce—Chairman, Harvey Corwin. If you have any questions, please call 503-652-2225.]