| “Sexual Misconduct.”
Federal and state laws make distinctions among various types of
sexual misconduct, such as “sexual harassment,” “sexual abuse,”
and “sexual assault.” Similarly, the governing documents of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) define what types of
sexual misconduct can result in a pastor or other rostered person
facing ecclesiastical discipline. These distinctions should not concern a person
who is troubled about the sexual conduct of a pastor or rostered
layperson. This church is concerned about all types of sexual
misconduct by these persons, regardless of whether or how the
misconduct is characterized by the law or by the governing
documents of the ELCA. Any
time a minister uses his or her position in the church for
personal sexual gratification is a misuse of the pastoral office
and a betrayal of the nature of the pastoral relationship. Any
sexual misconduct committed by a rostered church leader should be
reported to the appropriate synod, including, but not limited to, any sexual
contact between the rostered person and a congregant, counselee,
employee, or volunteer. It should be noted that the Synod may not
be able to assume primary responsibility for addressing all
allegations of sexual misconduct. For example, law enforcement
authorities would have responsibility for investigating and
addressing criminal allegations, while congregations would have to
deal with accusations of sexual harassment by the congregation's
employees. Nevertheless, the appropriate synod office should
be notified of all cases of inappropriate sexual behavior in the
church.
Any suspected sexual contact with a
minor must be reported to the appropriate governmental agency as
required by state laws concerning reporting of child abuse. |
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