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Huron Church House
190 Queens Ave.
London, ON
N6A 6H7
Tel: (519) 434-6893 or
toll free in Ontario at
1-800-919-1115
Fax (519) 673-4151
Email: huron@huron.anglican.ca
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Parish Planning - Code of Sexual Conduct
The following is meant to be give one possible way for planning an educational process in a parish to address sexual abuse issues. Each parish should decide for itself the best way to proceed.
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Step One - Conduct a workshop with the Board of Management using the Video and the Parish Planning Package. At the conclusion of the workshop, set up a small committee to produce a parish plan. The Board might also decide to develop its own statement or policy addressing abuse or harassment issues in coordination with the Diocesan Code of Conduct.
Step Two - The planning committee should review the parish organization. If there is a Screening in Faith document in place, the committee could determine the various high risk positions within the parish. This will help to develop priority areas to proceed. The committee should decide if it wishes to use the Parish Workshop model that includes the video for educating its members. A plan should be developed to educate the various groups within the parish organization. For example, the committee could decide to start with a workshop for the leaders of groups such as the Sunday School superintendent and organist/choir leader, followed by a workshop for Sunday School teachers, etc. This would allow the group to discuss how it can best address the issues that arise in their church setting. The committee may decide to have one workshop for all who are involved in groups, or perhaps simply hold a series of identical workshops for whoever in the parish has an interest. The committee might recommend that all who are involved in high risk ministry must attend a workshop at the parish level.
Step Three - Once the plan is in place, and endorsed by the Board of Management, the committee should develop the schedule for implementing the plan. If there are questions concerning the Code or the workshop process, don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions from members of the Sexual Abuse Response Team or from the Diocesan office.
Step Four - As part of the parish plan, decide how to educate those who become part of groups or organizations after these workshops have been held. For example, the parish may decide to have a "refresher" workshop once a year for new volunteers or others who wish to revisit the issues.
Step Five - Relax, learn and congratulate yourselves for taking the steps to protect the members of your parish and volunteers from sexual abuse and harassment concerns. |
Suggested Agenda for one-hour Parish Workshop
1. Introduction
2. Sexual Misconduct Video Tape
- Sexual Misconduct in our Churches (30 minutes)
3. Diocese of Huron Code of Conduct - A Summary
4. Parish Planning - The next step
5. Conclusion
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Sexual Misconduct Video Tape
Facilitator’s Notes
Introduction by Archbishop Michael Peers
General Information – The tape addresses common misbeliefs and misconceptions, i.e. Most sexual misconduct is by people who are trusted. What is sexual misconduct? Sexual misconduct is sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and sexual assault. Sexual harassment is a sexual course of comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, i.e. remarks, jokes, innuendoes, leering, suggestions, display of materials. It is not the intent but the effect on the other person. Sexual exploitation is taking advantage of a position of power or authority over another. It is exploitation if one has a position of authority over another regardless of consent. Sexual assault involves a lack of consent to sexual activity.
Scenario 1: Scene of a dark church, a single boy and one adult, who are there for server training. What is happening here? (PAUSE) There is a child alone with one adult in an unsupervised place. There is a lot of empty space and the child is clearly uncomfortable. People who exploit look for these situations. What could be done to minimize the risks? (PAUSE) The adult decided to do the training at another time. He asked if someone could pick up the boy and offered to allow him to use the phone to call a parent. It would be better to have more than one trainer. The lighting is gloomy, so there should be more light to brighten up the place. Adult did not want to go ahead and asked for someone to pick up the boy. He should also tell the minister about the incident and document it. What could be done to prevent it? (PAUSE) Always have two adults present with children. Clergy and church wardens should randomly visit different events in the church. Invite parents to drop by without notice. Make all rooms accessible for viewing.
Scenario 2: Woman and priest in counseling setting. He has counseled her; she wants to get to know him better and asks to know him in more than a client and counselor relationship. What is happening here? (PAUSE) The woman is vulnerable. There has been a gradual breakdown of boundaries over time. The woman has come to depend on the minister. She therefore can’t give free consent. There is the potential for sexual exploitation of the pastoral relationship. Intimate relationship is a violation of a religious leader’s role. What could be done immediately? (PAUSE) He addresses the issue with her. He sets out the boundaries in the relationship. More counseling would be inappropriate. He advised her that she should see someone else, i.e. take a next step. He needs to ensure he didn’t violate her trust or damage her self-esteem. He suggested she take the next step. He acknowledged that he valued her. He took responsibility for stopping the situation. He clearly and sensitively explained the boundaries of the relationship. He referred the individual to an appropriate counselor. If he wanted to pursue an intimate relationship, he should wait at least two years. He should get her to join another congregation. He should discuss the situation with someone in authority in his denomination. What practices could be put in place? (PAUSE) Document all counseling meetings. Involve a supervisor. Hold the counseling sessions in an office with a window. Make sure there is another person nearby. After six or seven sessions, refer the individual to a professional counselor.
Scenario 3: Older man and woman. Inappropriate joke. What is happening here? (PAUSE) It is not the intention that matters. It is the effect of the actions or comments. The joke has offended her. She can’t tell him how she feels. A third party witnessed the situation. What could be done immediately to stop this form of harassment? (PAUSE) The third party knew he didn’t mean harm. Must tell the person to stop the offensive behaviour. Go to a person in authority if it doesn’t stop. We may think it is none of our business but we should get involved. Sexual harassment is everyone’s business. Without getting involved, the situation may continue or get worse. What procedures should be put in place? (PAUSE) Put a sexual misconduct education program in place. Put a sexual misconduct policy in place and enforce it. Create an environment where people are not afraid to report sexual harassment.
Scenario 4: Youth group leader. Young person invites her out. What is happening here? (PAUSE) It is a criminal offence for an adult in position of authority to have a sexual relationship with a child age 14 to 18. A youth leader is in a position of authority and trust even though she is close in age to the teenager. It may not be seen as clear but it is since she is in a position of authority and therefore could be seen as sexual exploitation. What could be done immediately? (PAUSE) She knew he had a crush. She told him they couldn’t go out together. A person in authority must take responsibility. She clearly explained the boundaries of the relationship. Should tell another person about the incident and document it. Should never be alone with the teenager again. Have someone else talk with the teenager if necessary. What practices should be put in place? (PAUSE) Always have two adults present with children and young people. Clergy and wardens should randomly visit youth events. Document all youth events. Youth leaders should be trained about the serious issues surrounding sexual misconduct. Train youth leaders on how to maintain appropriate boundaries with their youth group members.
Scenario 5: Group meeting. Facilitator hugs everyone as they leave. What is happening here? (PAUSE) Act of hugging not intended to be sexual but could be experienced as inappropriate. New committee member made it clear that a hug was unwelcome. It could be considered as sexual harassment. What could be done immediately? (PAUSE) Everyone has different feelings about being touched. It’s okay to say no. You need to ask permission to touch someone else. What practices should be put in place? (PAUSE) Put a sexual misconduct education program in place for all members of the congregation. Teach people how to read signals from people who don’t want to be touched. Put a policy in place that clearly states you must ask permission to touch someone else. If you’ve been told your behaviour is unwelcome, it must stop.
Conclusion |
Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop
Facilitator's Notes
The facilitator should be prepared to talk to people who may wish to discuss the issues further after the workshop. The facilitator may have to stay later to accommodate those questions. Do not feel that you should have all the answers, or have to be an expert. Do not feel that you have to answer all the questions. If something arises and you do not know how to respond, either contact the Response Team directly or through the Diocesan office. S.A.R.T. members are available to answer your questions. It is also recommended that the instructor should view the video prior to the workshop. The video provides opportunities to pause in order to briefly discuss the issues presented. It is up to you to decide whether you wish to stop for discussion.
1. Introduction
The Diocese of Huron has had a code of procedures addressing sexual abuse issues for many years. In 1996, Archbishop Percy O’Driscoll brought together the Sexual Abuse Resource Team. Their first task was to amend and re-write the set of procedures. It was clear that the procedures needed to be brought up to date and made easier to read and to use. There had been various issues within the churches that brought to light the need to be on top of this issue. The group revised the code, beginning with the addition of a theological basis. The procedures came to be known as the Code of Conduct, and it was approved for use by the Archbishop in the Diocese.
The Team developed a brochure to let the people in the parishes know about the Code, and produced a summary that will be reviewed later in this workshop. Because of the importance of the issue, it was not enough to simply publish the Code. As we know from the flurry of papers that cross by us every day, we need more than a document if it is to catch our attention. The Code was discussed at a clergy conference as well as at a Synod of the Diocese. The Team developed workshops to educate both clergy and lay people. A series of workshops were first held for the clergy of the diocese. These day-long workshops allowed the clergy to become better acquainted with the need for the Code and its contents through discussion and case studies. Next, the Team created materials for lay representatives in the Diocese. A series of workshops followed for parish representatives. These were held in the evenings and allowed the participants to discuss the Code and work through examples of abuse situations through case studies.
Sexual abuse will not be prevented if only the leaders and clergy of the Diocese become educated in the issues. For sexual abuse and harassment to be properly prevented, it is necessary for the average person in the parish to understand what is involved, and how to prevent it. In this way, we can hope to protect the people of our parishes who could become the victims of abuse. We can also protect the many people in our parishes who are the volunteers and leaders of groups.
This workshop is meant to provide its participants with some background of the issues and the code of procedures that have been put into place in the Diocese of Huron. It is not as lengthy or as in depth as the workshops involving case studies, but for those who wish to do more work in this area, those are available for use. The workshop starts with a video developed for the Diocese of Toronto entitled Sexual Misconduct in our Churches - Learn to spot it; Learn to stop it.
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2. Sexual Misconduct Video Tape - Sexual Misconduct in our Churches
See the separate Facilitator’s Notes for the Video Tape
3. Diocese of Huron Code of Conduct - A Summary
The Code of Sexual Ethics and Professional Conduct is found in the "Grey" Book that every Anglican parish in Huron has on file. The Code is obviously lengthier than the summary that has been provided, and has attached to it a number of forms. Before we review the Code, it should be emphasized that any action to be taken as a result of an allegation must be taken at the Diocesan level. If an allegation arises in a parish, the Bishop should be called. The Bishop may choose to act, or may delegate the Diocesan response to someone else such as the Sexual Abuse Response Team. The forms that are part of the Code are meant to be completed by the Bishop, and not members in the parish. If someone comes to the wardens or the rector with an allegation, the Bishop should be called. If the matter will be pursued, the victim will work with the Bishop in filling out the necessary forms.
The Huron Code starts with a theological foundation. (The facilitator can then refer to the contents of the Theological Foundation) It is important for us to emphasize that sex is not something bad, but is a gift from God. It is when sex becomes a tool for abuse that problems result, and people can be seriously hurt.
The Code then provides a statement that sexual abuse will not be tolerated. (The facilitator can then refer to the definition of sexual abuse and the issue of a power imbalance within a counseling or pastoral support relationship.) It is important that all complaints relating to sexual abuse be taken seriously, particularly allegations involving the sexual abuse of a child. The law is very clear that allegations involving abuse of children must be reported immediately to the authorities. The police and the Childrens’ Aid Society must be contacted whenever there are allegations involving children.
The Code has a number of guiding principles. (The facilitator can then refer to the guiding principles) It is important to keep in mind that all allegations must be taken seriously, but also that innocence is presumed until proven otherwise.
As mentioned before, the Code outlines the reporting procedures should an allegation be brought forward. If a complaint is being brought, the Bishop should be contacted so that he or a member of the Response Team can assist in completing the forms so that the matter can be investigated. If the complaints are found to be true, then the Bishop must decide what action will be taken against the offender. It may be as simple as an apology and a need for education, or it could be as serious as having someone removed from the position that they occupy in the parish. It could involve the need for counseling for both the offender and the victim.
It is also important to recognize that the immediate parties involved are not the only people that may be affected. These issues can affect other family members and friends, and members of the parish. In the past, parishes where abuse had occurred or been alleged have suffered because loyalties and allegiances are tremendously strained. There can then be the need for congregational healing, trauma debriefing and follow-up. (The facilitator can then refer to the notes in the summary on these matters.)
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4. Parish Planning - The next step
The Code is meant to help in cases where allegations of abuse are brought forward. But parishes can do many things to prevent abusive situations arising, and to protect clergy and volunteers from false or malicious allegations. Education in the parish will help parishioners better understand the issues and the need for preventative measures. Procedures to prevent situations arising, similar to what were in the video can be developed. It is not just up to the clergy to take a leadership role in the parishes. The wardens and members of the boards of management must help in this process. It can start with educating members of the board as well as parish leaders such as Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders or music coordinators. If the parish has done a Screening plan, it may wish to concentrate first on those in positions of higher risk. It may require annual parish updates to provide refreshers for those who have been exposed to the information previously, but also for volunteers who are new to their position. Parishes should ensure that outside groups that use their facilities are familiar with the issues, and that they also take adequate steps to prevent problems arising.
It is never too early to start planning these matters. This job does not have to be as daunting as it appears to be. The resources are available through the Diocese to provide the parishes with guidance as they develop their own procedures to protect their volunteers and those involved in the activities of the parish.
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5. Conclusion
This has only been a brief review of the issues and the need for action upon the part of the parishes to address them. Hopefully it has been enough to convince you that today is the day to start down the path to educate and prevent. The challenge you face is to recognize that these issues can arise anywhere and anytime. As a result, there is a need to ensure that the people within the parish know and appreciate what is involved. There is a responsibility to develop the practices and procedures that fit this parish as it attempts to protect those who may become the victims of abuse, and to protect those who might be placed into situations when abuse might be alleged.
It has been said that we all take out insurance when we buy a car, not because we expect that we will have to make a claim, but because you never know whether it will arise. You never know what you might run into, or who might run into you, when you take your car out on the road. But we do know that it might occur. Abuse situations are similar. We all expect that it won’t happen to us, but we can never really be sure that it won’t. Educating ourselves and our parishioners about the issues of abuse, and developing parish procedures is simply another form of insurance.
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