2 Corinthians 13:11— Finally, siblings, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
- Resolution #2043 is being updated because there is still a need for a Response Team Ministry for Sexual Misconduct in The United Methodist Church.
- There is a Disciplinary mandate to “provide a process for healing within the congregation” as part of the supervisory response and judicial process (¶363.1f, The Book of Discipline 2016).
- The Response Team is appointed by the Bishop and is part of the assistance provided by an Annual Conference. When sexual misconduct occurs, congregations need trained support from their Annual Conference. Any misconduct can have lasting emotional and spiritual effects; therefore, trained Response Team members work to promote congregational healing that is long-term.
- The Discipline also allows the Bishop to select “persons with qualifications and experience in assessment, intervention, or healing” to assist during the supervisory response (¶363.1b, The Book of Discipline 2016).