Jesus also said, "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones..., it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:6, NRSV). Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to the little ones, the children. The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church state that "...children must be protected from economic, physical and sexual exploitation and abuse."
Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation and ritual abuse* occur in churches, both large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural and racial lines. It is real, and appears to be increasing. Most annual conferences can cite specific incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation within churches. Virtually every congregation has among its members adult survivors of early sexual trauma.
Such incidents are devastating to all who are involved: the child, the family, the local church and its leaders. Increasingly, churches are torn apart by the legal, emotional and monetary consequences of litigation following allegations of abuse.
God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong. In response to this church-wide challenge, the following steps should be taken to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse.
A. Local churches should:
1. Develop and implement an ongoing education plan for the congregation and its leaders on the reality of child abuse, risk factors leading to child abuse and strategies for prevention.
2. Adopt screening procedures (use of application forms, interviews, reference checks, background clearance, etc.) for workers (paid and unpaid) directly or indirectly involved in the care of children and youth.
3. Develop and implement safety procedures for church activities such as: having two or more non-related adults present in classroom or activity; leaving doors open and installing half-doors or windows in doors or halls; providing hall monitors; instituting sign-in and sign-out procedures for children ten or younger, etc.
4. Carry liability insurance that includes sexual abuse coverage.
5. Assist the development of awareness and self-protection skills for children and youth through special curricula and activities.
6. Be familiar with Annual Conference policies regarding clergy sexual abuse.
B. Annual Conferences should develop safety and risk-reducing policies and procedures for conference-sponsored events such as camps, retreats, youth gatherings, child care at conference events, mission trips, etc. Annual Conferences shall also develop guidelines and training processes for use by church leaders who carry responsibility for prevention of child abuse in local churches. Both sets of policies shall be developed by a task force appointed by the cabinet in cooperation with appropriate conference agencies. These policies shall be approved by the Annual Conference and assigned to a conference agency for implementation. It is suggested that the policies be circulated in conference publications and shared with lay professionals and clergy at district or conference seminars.
C. The General Board of Discipleship and the General Board of Global Ministries should cooperatively develop and/or identify and promote the following resources:
1. Sample policies, procedures, forms, etc. for reducing the risk of sexual abuse and exploitation of children and youth in local churches, both in relation to their own sponsored programs and to any outreach ministries or other programs for children or youth that use church space.
2. Child abuse prevention curricula for use in local churches.
3. Training opportunities and other educational resources on child sexual abuse and exploitation and on ritual abuse.
4. Resources on healing for those who have experienced childhood sexual trauma.
*Ritual abuse refers to abusive acts committed as part of ceremonies or rites; ritual abusers are often related to cults, or pretend to be.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21361-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference