Legislation
Total Number of Pages: 2
Suggested Title: Apology from General Conference to the Victims/Survivors of Sexual Misconduct in The UMC
Discipline Paragraph or Resolution Number, if applicable: New Resolution
General Church Budget Implications: None
Global Implications: Yes
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Apology from General Conference to the Victims/Survivors of Sexual Misconduct in The UMC
The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles clearly states, “sexual harassment must be understood as an exploitation of power relationship and interfering with the moral mission of the church.”
The Council of Bishops’ press release, “United Methodist leaders respond to #metoo and #churchtoo movement, states, “Council of Bishops affirmed, through its members, renewed commitment to addressing the systemic causes of sexual misconduct and abuse of power… The sin of sexual misconduct must be named by the Church at every level of ministry.” The Bishops pledge to do the right thing in every complaint received, including listening well to hear the story and developing a response, which holds persons accountable and offer healing for all affected to the extent of their ability.
Therefore, in the spirit of offering healing for all affected to the extent of our ability, on behalf of the General Conference, we sincerely apologize to the victims and survivors of sexual misconduct perpetrated by the leaders (clergy and lay) of the United Methodist Church for the harm they have done. We acknowledge it is spiritual violence when a ministerial leader commits sexual misconduct and it is a clear violation of sacred trust.
In addition, after this petition is passed by General Conference, the General Commission on General Conference shall read this resolution from the plenary floor repent of this sin. Additionally, every annual conference shall publicly read this resolution aloud at their 2021 annual meetings.
We encourage and support the reporting of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment. The abuse of inherent power in the leadership position will not be tolerated.
Information to the reporting process can be found at www.umsexualethics.org or from your annual conference.
http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/united-methodist-leaders-respond-to-metoo-and-churchtoo
Date: 7/31/2019
Signature of the Petitioner:
Identification of the Petitioner: General Secretary of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Phone: (312) 346-4900
City, State, Province, Country: Chicago, Illinois, United States
E-mail Address: dhare@gcsrw.org