'Sexual abuse in any form is never
permissible'
Leaders' letter calls attention to PC(USA)
policies, touts resources
by John Filiatreau, Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE - 16-May-2002 - The current furor over child-sexual-abuse
charges against Roman Catholic clergy around the United States has
prompted leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to remind stated
clerks and synod and presbytery executives of PC(USA) policies and
resources on child abuse and its prevention.
A pastoral letter, dated May 9, was dispatched over
the signatures of the Rev. Jack Rogers, moderator of the 213th General
Assembly; the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, stated clerk of the PC(USA); and
John Detterick, executive director of the General Assembly Council (GAC).
"We believe that sexual abuse constitutes sinful
behavior and violates the teachings of the Church as well as the
covenantal relationship by which we are called to live with God and with
one another," they wrote. "Sexual abuse in any form is never
permissible."
The letter calls officials' attention to a
sexual-misconduct policy adopted by the 205th General Assembly (GA) in
1993, as well as "Standards of Ethical Conduct" for PC(USA)
members, employees, volunteers and ordained officers approved by the
210th GA in 1998. Both documents are available through the PC(USA) Web
site.
It also recommends two church-produced resources on
child abuse, both of which are available online or from Presbyterian
Distribution Service. The letter concludes, "If you are aware of or
have been victim to sexual abuse, please speak with someone you trust
within your congregation or your presbytery."
The full text:
Friends and colleagues in Christ -
Recently, considerable public attention is being given
to child sexual abuse by clergy and the response of churches when such
abuse is discovered. It seems particularly important to remind
Presbyterians of our policies that provide for quick and decisive
resolutions if an allegation of sexual abuse is made.
According to Scripture, we are each created in the
image and likeness of God and the church in polity and policy respects
the integrity and value of each human person. We believe that sexual
abuse constitutes sinful behavior and violates the teachings of the
Church as well as the covenantal relationship by which we are called to
live with God and with one another. Sexual abuse in any form is never
permissible. The policies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) regarding
abuse enable us to act for justice, healing and restoration.
All ministry in the church is a gift from Jesus
Christ. Members and officers alike serve mutually under the mandate of
Christ: the one who came "not to be served but to serve." When
a minister within the P.C. (U.S.A.) commits sexual abuse, it ruptures
relationships, abuses the power and authority of ministry, and violates
the very essence of the church of Christ as the body of Christ through
which a new world reality as revealed by God is made available to
everyone. In 1993, the 205th General Assembly adopted a sexual
misconduct policy that unequivocally states that sexual abuse is not
only a violation of the principles set forth in Scripture but also of
the ministerial and professional relationships. In 1998, the 210th
General Assembly adopted Standards of Ethical Conduct for members,
employees and volunteers, and ordained officers in the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.). These policies may be accessed through the P.C.
(U.S.A.) website at www.pcusa.org or
through your presbytery.
The policies in conjunction with the Scriptures, the
Constitution and more particularly, the Rules of Discipline, provide a
means to prevent and eliminate sexual abuse within the church, to seek
justice in determining the truth of allegations, to provide justice and
retribution for persons involved, and to assure appropriate care and
healing for all parties.
Two resources specifically directed toward the
prevention of child abuse are additionally available. In 1993, the Child
Abuse Ministry Project prepared a resource titled "Surely Heed
Their Cry: A Presbyterian Guide to Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention
and Healing." In 2002, the Child Advocacy Office prepared "We
Won't Let it Happen Here! Preventing Child Abuse in the Church"
(2nd edition). These are available through the Presbyterian Distribution
Service at 1-800-524-2612 or via the web at http://www.pcusa.org/marketplace/index.jsp
Many presbyteries and congregations have also adopted sexual misconduct
and/or abuse policies and procedures in conjunction with the General
Assembly policies. If you are aware of or have been victim to sexual
abuse, please speak with someone you trust within your congregation or
your presbytery.
May the Peace of Christ be yours,
Jack Rogers, moderator, 213th General Assembly
Clifton Kirkpatrick, stated clerk, PC(USA)
John Detterick, executive director, GAC
