Position

Church councils should publicly acknowledge that the sin of abuse exists even in churches and should take positive steps to make their congregations safe for all persons. They should support efforts to address abuse promptly so that the abused and the abusers may experience the healing power of God's grace, should become aware of the laws and procedures applicable in their areas, and should create continuing-education opportunities for church leaders to become informed and sensitive about abuse issues. They should also adopt procedures to deal immediately and decisively with situations in which a person in a position of authority or influence in the church is alleged to have committed abuse.

History

Leader. Over the next two years these guidelines were reviewed and revised and finally adopted by Synod 1997.

References

Agenda for Synod 1989, pp. 309-10
Acts of Synod 1989, pp. 548-49
Agenda for Synod 1992, pp. 138, 313-58, 482-85
Acts of Synod 1992, pp. 560-61, 567, 671-77, 709, 731
Agenda for Synod 1993, pp. 23, 27, 55, 65, 286-87
Acts of Synod 1993, pp. 544-45, 579
Agenda for Synod 1994, pp. 32, 34, 48-49, 146-54, 191-97
Acts of Synod 1994, pp. 466, 517-18, 527-28
Agenda for Synod 1995, pp. 178-81, 555-65
Acts of Synod 1995, pp. 672-74, 678, 767, 779-88
Agenda for Synod 1996, pp. 161-62, 322-24
Acts of Synod 1996, pp. 374-81, 562-72, 578-79, 634-42
Agenda for Synod 1997, pp. 187-88, 195-207, 466-79
Acts of Synod 1997, pp. 674-86
Agenda for Synod 1998, pp. 139, 238-40
Acts of Synod 1998, p. 401