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UM Sexual Ethics
A Ministry of the GENERAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN of The United Methodist Church (UMC)
We’re glad you found our website. We’ve discovered that one of the most difficult things in the area of Sexual Ethics and the Church is knowing what the very first steps are, and then what the subsequent actions should be. We’ve organized our website accordingly. The United Methodist Church is committed to preventing misconduct and addressing it when it occurs. We strive to achieve a response that encourages and ensures accountability and healing to all parties. To eradicate sexual harassment and misconduct in The United Methodist Church, every member must get involved.
The Interagency Sexual Ethics Task Force has developed 13 devotions to be used in United Methodist ministries based off of our Code of Conduct principles. We encourage you to listen to our audio version on your preferred platform and to download a written version for congregational use.
Becky Posey Williams, Sr. Director of Sexual Ethics and advocacy from the GCSRW, answered some questions regarding sexual harassment and misconduct by United Methodist leaders.
On May 3rd, 2024, the secretary of the General Conference, apologized on behalf of the church for the way the denomination has prevented people from being held accountable for sexual misconduct, thus perpetuating harm within local churches and other ministry settings and damaging the United Methodist connection. All bishops are expected to read this apology at their own annual conferences.
Presented by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women to provide guidance when there is a concern or complaint of sexual misconduct in The United Methodist Church.
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How the Church Defines Sexual Misconduct
As stated in the UMC Book of Resolutions, “Sexual Misconduct within ministerial relationships is a betrayal of sacred trust. It is a continuum of sexual or gender-directed behaviors by either a lay or clergy person within a ministerial relationship (paid or unpaid). It can include child abuse, adult sexual abuse, harassment, rape or sexual assault, sexualized verbal comments or visuals, unwelcome touching and advances, use of sexualized materials including pornography, stalking, sexual abuse of youth or those without capacity to consent, or misuse of the pastoral or ministerial position using sexualized conduct to take advantage of the vulnerability of another. It includes criminal behaviors in some nations, states, and communities and is a chargeable offense in The United Methodist Church." (2016 Book of Resolutions, #2044)
"Do All The Good You Can, By All The Means You Can, In All The Ways You Can, In All The Places You Can, At All The Times You Can, To All The People You Can, As Long As Ever You Can."
- John Wesley
"I'm not sure what to call what just happened to me."
UM Sexual Ethics is here as a resource to help you put language to uncomfortable and inappropriate interactions and behaviors. Our purpose is to help you identify sexual misconduct and to know what steps should be taken depending on your given situation.
Although our website offers a lot of guidance and information, sometimes being able to talk to someone in person is really helpful. We also provide a Toll-free | Confidential #. 800-523-8390
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