Sexual Harassment Sensitivity and Prevention

1. Sexual Harassment Sensitivity and Prevention Bishop Teresa E. Snorton Presiding Bishop Fifth Episcopal District ChristianMethodist Episcopal Church

2. Objectives: To provide… • 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

3. Sexual Misconduct Definitions • Sexual abuse • Sexual exploitation • Sexual harassment

4. Sexual Abuse • 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

5. Sexual Exploitation • 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.

6. Sexual Harassment • 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.

7. Sexual Harassment (Continued) • Includes risque jokes, verbal innuendo, unwelcomed verbal contact, undesired physical contact (kissing, hugging, lap-sitting, 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.

8. The law • 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!

10. A Real Problem (cont) • 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!

11. A Real Problem (cont) • 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.

12. No church is immune… • Catholic • Jehovah Witness • Baptist • Non-denominational • United Methodist • Christian Methodist Episcopal • At all levels

13. Sexual Harassment Policy of the CME Church • 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

14. Professional Ethics for Ministry • 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)

15. Foundations for Sexual Ethics • Purpose of Sexuality • To enhance human wholeness • To express love and commitment • To bring new life into the world • To give glory to God The norms are mutuality, love and justice.

16. Sexuality is distorted by: • Unethical behaviors • Attitudes • Violence • Exploitation • Infidelity • Assertion of Power • Treatment of Persons as objects

17. Why some err. . . • Inappropriate sexual ethics • Unmet personal needs • A sense of entitlement • Paternalist attitudes towards church members • Unmanaged stress or depression • Lack of boundaries

18. The Abuse of Power Sexual misconduct is: • A violation of role • A misuse of authority and power • Taking advantage of vulnerability • An absence of meaningful consent

19. Sacred Trust • 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!

20. Guidelines for Avoiding Sexual Misconduct • 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!

21. Guidelines (continued) • 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.

22. Guidelines (continued) • 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!

23. The Role of the Local Church • 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!

24. Special Considerations • 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

25. Reporting Misconduct • Church leadership • State EEOC office • Local agency (i.e. DFCS) • Attorney

26. The Role of the Church in Seeking Justice • Truth-telling • Acknowledgement • Compassion • Protection to the vulnerable • Accountability for the abuser • Restitution • Vindication

27. Notes:

28. 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