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Although the number of clergy
sexual misconduct incidents in the ELCA is not great, and they
rarely involve minors, the pain and turmoil such conduct engenders
can be detrimental to ministry for months, sometimes years, to
come. In addressing these situations, there are several key
principles that have guided synod bishops’ response to allegations
of clergy sexual misconduct.
Restoring Trust
Based on a paper presented by the Rev. Peter Rogness, when he
served as bishop of
the Greater Milwaukee Synod
Care of victims is paramount
This church seeks to provide pastoral care for victims in their healing
and attempts to avoid re-victimizing, during the church’s adjudication
process, those who have been wounded.
The church strives to protect victims
from being blamed by others for the pastor’s misconduct by always
explaining that it is the clergyperson’s responsibility to
maintain proper boundaries in their relationships with parishioners. The victims
of the misconduct control the
information they share with us, and which we need in order take
action. Even when that makes our jobs more difficult, we try to
respect their wishes.
People must know their local
congregation is a safe place
There is far more at stake in responding appropriately to
allegations of clergy sexual misconduct than just one case in one place. Every member of every
congregation must have confidence that their congregation is a
safe place. If confidence is to be maintained, the public must know
that misconduct in the pastoral office is not tolerated.
This means that no allegations will
be ignored and no actual misconduct will be kept secret. In order
for congregations to be places of care for the weak and broken,
our clergy must be ones to whom the most vulnerable can safely
turn to receive the love of God.
The integrity of the public
office of ministry is at stake
It may surprise the public to know that nowhere is there
stronger support for a firm response to clergy misconduct than
among the clergy themselves. The vast majority of clergy is
faithful and trustworthy, and they know their own reputations are
damaged when clergy misconduct holds the public’s attention.
When a pastor has been disciplined
for misconduct, or resigns following allegations of misconduct,
the overwhelming response of other clergy is both deep sadness and
strong support for the action taken. They understand that the
integrity of the pastoral office is at stake.
The church follows fair
procedures
This church tries to care for and protect the person claiming to have
suffered abuse, as well as the congregation. At the same time, no
formal disciplinary action can proceed on the basis of flimsy or anonymous accusations.
The church’s adjudication process requires written charges and, if
necessary, the presentation of evidence at a hearing.
A member of the clergy who disputes
the allegations may get a hearing before a panel of persons
elected by the synod and churchwide assemblies. There is an appeal process in which the
hearing panel’s decision may be subject to review. A member of the
clergy accused of misconduct may choose to resign from the clergy
roster at any time, thereby bringing an end to the process.
Disclosure is made to
congregations
When a pastor has been accused and removed, or when a
discipline process is entered into, the congregation is informed
of both the nature of the allegations and the nature of the
process. When a pastor resigns from the clergy roster rather than
disputing the charges, disclosure is made to congregational
members. Such disclosure is done for at least three reasons:
- Congregations need to know of
matters that affect their life so directly. Accurate information
is the best way to dispel rumors, doubt and uncertainty.
- Only through disclosure can the
church invite healing – for victims both known and unknown –
and for members of the congregation who experience the pain of
betrayal. Cover-ups are like toxic dumps, with poison seeping
out for years afterward, making healing very difficult.
- Disclosure makes it clear to all
that the church does not condone or minimize the misconduct of
its clergy. Even years later, if a pastor removed for misconduct
seeks reinstatement to the clergy roster – a very rare
occurrence – full disclosure is made.
Secrecy destroys trust. Disclosure, even when unpleasant (and it
often is) is the healthier action. Yes, the truth often does hurt,
but it is preferable to the lie.
Many continue to work hard so the
public ministry of the church can be regarded as safe,
compassionate, and entitled to trust. |
