GUYANA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY AND ITS PROCEDURES … As [God] who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; … Tend the flock of God that is in your charge … not under compulsion but willingly, … not for sordid gain but eagerly. … not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. … You know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”1 Pet. 1:15, 5:2–3, James 3:1 Introduction The ethical conduct of all persons who minister in the name of Jesus Christ is of vital importance to the Guyana Presbyterian Church (hereinafter referred to as GPC). Such persons are called to carry out God’s mission and to share the Good News. It is required that they strive to live faithfully in word and deed, in their professional and personal lives as a demonstration of the Christian Gospel in church and society. It is incumbent upon the church, if allegations of sexual misconduct arise, to respond to those involved with compassion and justice. To that end this policy has been proposed to provide guidance. All persons associated with the church’s ministry are expected to maintain the integrity of the church at all times. The Policy is applicable to all staff, members, officers, elders, and volunteers of the GPC. Persons who engage in sexual misconduct are in violation of the principles set forth in Scripture and of the Laws of Guyana. (Sexual Offences Act 2010) Principles and Standards of Conduct Sexual misconduct is a misuse of authority and power that breaches Christian ethical principles by misusing a relationship of trust to gain advantage over another for personal pleasure in an abusive, exploitative and unjust manner. It is a violation of relationships, whether professional or friendly and is never permissible or acceptable. It takes advantage of the vulnerability of children and persons who may lack the power to protect themselves from such acts. Sexual misconduct is antithetical to the Gospel call to work as God’s servant in the struggle to bring wholeness to a broken world. It violates the mandate to protect the vulnerable from harm. If a person in any position, including a parishioner, client, employee or student, initiates or invites sexual content in the relationship, it is the responsibility of the pastor, elder, leader of church group, or Sunday School teacher to be clear in forbidding a sexual relationship. Definitions of Sexual Misconduct Sexual misconduct is a display of offensive, obsessive or suggestive language or behavior, unwelcome touching or fondling of persons. This includes: a) Child Sexual Abuse - any contact or interaction between a child and an adult when the child is being used for the sexual stimulation of the adult person; this may or may not involve touching. Sexual behavior between a child and an adult is always considered forced whether or not consented to by the child. b) Sexual Harassment - sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, such as obscene or suggestive language or behavior, unwelcome messages and other kinds of verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This includes use of technology that results in sexually harassing or abusing another person, texting or emailing suggestive messages and images to persons with whom one has a pastoral relationship. c) Rape or sexual contact by force, threat, intimidation, or misuse of power in a trust relationship. (Refer to the Sexual Offences Act, 2010 for definitions.) Church Response to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Allegations of sexual misconduct are always considered allegations of offense against Scripture or the church that trigger the disciplinary processes of the church set forth in the GPC Constitution, Article IX - Church Discipline. (See Appendix I) The Executive Committee of Synod may appoint a Committee or Commission to hear the allegations of sexual misconduct. The Committee may also take measures to prevent future occurrences of harm through education and policy. In responding to allegations of sexual misconduct the following procedures must be followed: a) Ministers, pastors, members, officers, and employees of the church should seek to uphold the dignity of all persons involved, including persons who are alleging harm, persons who are accused of sexual misconduct, and the families and communities of each. Such persons must be offered care and counseling. b) The matter must be reported to the Police or the Child Protection Agency (as is mandatory by law). c) Where possible, the privacy of persons should be respected and confidentiality of communications should be upheld. d) The GPC has jurisdiction and responsibility over its ministers, elders, employees, members, and volunteers such that if a member, or staff is alleged to have committed an offense against Scripture or the GPC Constitution. e) The church has the duty to follow due process and inquire into the allegations as outlined in the Constitution of the Guyana Presbyterian Church. f) Should the allegations be proven, the church has a responsibility to address the behavior of the person and ensure the safety of others in the community. Reporting Sexual Misconduct Reports of allegations of sexual misconduct should never be taken lightly or disregarded and allowed to circulate without concern for the integrity and reputation of the victim, the accused and the church. Reports of allegations should be dealt with as matters of highest confidentiality, both before and after they have been submitted to appropriate authorities as outlined below. A person needing to report that a minister, pastor, member, officer, employee, or volunteer of the GPC has committed sexual misconduct is encouraged to seek guidance from a GPC minister/pastor or may directly approach the General Secretary or the Moderator as soon as possible. The allegations may come from both members and non-members of the GPC. It is the duty of the person who is the first contact of the church to ensure that it is appropriately reported to the designated personnel, also keeping in mind the mandatory reporting requirements for Sexual Offences. The first person to learn of an incident of sexual misconduct should not undertake an inquiry alone or question either the victim or the accused unless the incident is divulged in the process of pastoral care and counseling. If the victim is hesitant to talk to designated personnel, the person who has received the initial report has a special pastoral responsibility to build trust and to demonstrate the importance of justice and healing. It is advisable that the account of the statement be documented and dated by the person receiving the report and possibly the accuser also. (For due diligence guide and process see Appendix I, Article IX. CHURCH DISCIPLINE, Section 9.01) Adopted by Synod, October 17, 2015, Burns Memorial Presbyterian Church