The upsurge of news stories documenting sexual misconduct by the clergy and church staff of all denominations has shocked the world. Those accused or convicted are people in whom we placed our most sacred trust. The violation of that trust in the pursuit of their own interests and at the expense of adults, teens and children has instilled doubt and mistrust in religious institutions and their teachings.

The Presbyterian Church has a zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and will aggressively pursue investigation of all reports of misconduct. It is extremely important that all governing bodies and congregations recognize that churchgoers are human and, therefore, are vulnerable to sexual exploitation.

It is the responsibility of the church to educate individual ministers, church staff and volunteer leadership that with their position comes an implied power over the people they have been called to serve. The boundaries, as well as the consequences for crossing those boundaries, should be spelled out clearly. They should understand that any unwelcome crossing of the boundaries of sexual contact or sexual harassment is wrong, a violation of trust, and damages victim, the local congregation and community, and the perpetrator’s and victim’s families. In many cases such conduct will also violate criminal statutes. The consequences of violations may lead to termination of employment or volunteer service, and potentially enormous fines, prosecution and imprisonment.

In addition to a zero tolerance policy, every church should have written procedures identifying who the misconduct should be reported to, what facts are needed, and how the church will respond (investigation, and separation of alleged victim and alleged perpetrator).

Every church should also have sexual misconduct liability insurance (included in the CPIP policy).