Sexual Harassment
Sensitivity and Prevention
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton
Presiding Bishop
Fifth Episcopal District
ChristianMethodist Episcopal Church
Objectives: To provide…
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An understanding of the meaning of
sexual harassment
An understanding of appropriate ethical
behavior for clergy and church leaders
An awareness of the consequences of
sexual misconduct
An affirmation of the denomination and
legal positions on sexual harassment
Sexual Misconduct Definitions
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Sexual abuse
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Sexual exploitation
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Sexual harassment
Sexual Abuse
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A generic term to cover any form of improper
sexual conduct.
Specifically refers to the abuse of persons who
lack the ability to protect themselves (children,
the elderly, emotionally disabled)
Examples include incest, pedophilia,
molestation, rape, child prostitution, child
pornography
Sexual Exploitation
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A betrayal of trust in a professional
relationship
Involves using someone under one’s care for
one’s own sexual stimulation and satisfaction
Includes intercourse, touching, fondling,
kissing, deep embracing, disrobing, verbal
suggestions, or dating during the professional
relationship.
Sexual Harassment
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The use of one’s power to coerce
another into unwanted sexual relations
or the exchange of sex for some other
favor (quid pro quo). Can be a single
event.
Involves creating an intimidating or
offensive environment through
unwelcomed verbal, visual, or physical
contact of a physical nature. Usually a
pattern of events or series of incidents.
Sexual Harassment
(Continued)
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Includes risque jokes, verbal innuendo,
unwelcomed verbal contact, undesired
physical contact (kissing, hugging, lapsitting, patronizing pats and intentional
touching of body parts or clothing
covering body parts)
Also includes inappropriate comments,
seductions, requests for social activities,
photos, posters, drawings, cartoons,
etc.
The law
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Sexual harassment is against the law!
Sexual abuse is against the law!
Sexual exploitation is against the law!
Rape, sodomy, assault, incest,
molestation, child endangerment,
harassment, stalking are legal charges
that may result from such behavior!
A Real Problem (cont)
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Almost 30% of cases of harassment and
abuse involved a member of the clergy
as the offender
16% of all cases involved a church staff
member as the offender
Almost half of harassment and abuse
cases are connected to the Church!
A Real Problem (cont)
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The EECO reported 13,136 charges of
sexual harassment in 2004.
84% filed by women, 15% filed by men
25% settled or resolved with monetary
benefits
Total monetary benefits in 2004 was
$37,100,000.
No church is immune…
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Catholic
Jehovah Witness
Baptist
Non-denominational
United Methodist
Christian Methodist Episcopal
At all levels
Sexual Harassment Policy of
the CME Church
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Mandated in the CME Discipline
Informed by the Bible and the law
Acknowledges that the church has a
responsibility to protect all from harm
Recognizes that circumstances in the
church and other dynamics that can
lead to harassment must be avoided
Professional Ethics for Ministry
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Applies to clergy (ordained and
unordained), church officers and
leaders, paid and volunteer.
Does not compromise the role for
personal gain and satisfaction.
Adheres to a Code of Sexual Ethics
(see attached)
Foundations for Sexual Ethics
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Purpose of Sexuality
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To
To
To
To
enhance human wholeness
express love and commitment
bring new life into the world
give glory to God
The norms are mutuality, love and
justice.
Sexuality is distorted by:
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Unethical behaviors
Attitudes
Violence
Exploitation
Infidelity
Assertion of Power
Treatment of Persons as objects
Why some err. . .
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Inappropriate sexual ethics
Unmet personal needs
A sense of entitlement
Paternalist attitudes towards church
members
Unmanaged stress or depression
Lack of boundaries
The Abuse of Power
Sexual misconduct is:
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A violation of role
A misuse of authority and power
Taking advantage of vulnerability
An absence of meaningful consent
Sacred Trust
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We must be “safe shepherds”
We must maintain “safe santuaries”
We must believe that is NEVER
acceptable to cross the boundary
between pastor/parishioner.
We must be willing to deal with the
difficult subject and situations!
Guidelines for Avoiding Sexual
Misconduct
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Be informed
Have no secretive meetings with
anyone
Do not meet in places or under
circumstances that could be misread
Make your principles known to your
congregation and members
Live your principles!
Guidelines (continued)
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Get consultation in dealing with
challenging situations or relationships.
Ask permission before hugging or
touching in the context of prayer,
counseling, or other spiritual/religious
activity.
Search your own heart about your
motives and intentions.
Guidelines (continued)
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Pay attention your own needs and the
appropriate place to get them met.
Screen and interview all volunteers who
will be working on behalf of the church.
Get help immediately if you are guilty!
The Role of the Local Church
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Acquaint members with the CME Policy
Conduct workshops on personal and
professional ethics
Conduct background checks on all
church leaders and volunteers
Post a list of community resources
Practice what you preach!
Special Considerations
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We have a special obligation to protect
the children and youth
Federal law requires reporting child
abuse and neglect
Pay attention to pedophile alerts and
other information about exploitative
persons, places
Reporting Misconduct
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Church leadership
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State EEOC office
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Local agency (i.e. DFCS)
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Attorney
The Role of the Church in
Seeking Justice
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Truth-telling
Acknowledgement
Compassion
Protection to the vulnerable
Accountability for the abuser
Restitution
Vindication
Notes:
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton
CME Church
B.A., M. Div., Th.M. D. Min.
ACPE Supervisor
Board Certified Chaplain
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Miles College