Sexual Misconduct Response Committee
Scripture addresses the issues of leadership, power, and ethical conduct in many different ways. For those who minister in the name of Jesus Christ, attention to these issues is of vital importance to the church, for through these representatives an understanding of God and the gospels’ good news is conveyed. In mutual accountability and understanding, church leaders have the responsibility of moderating their own behavior in accordance with scripture and the example of Jesus Christ. An understanding of appropriate professional boundaries, held in common between members and leaders can help to prevent misconduct.
Sexual misconduct is both a betrayal of trust and a denial of the love of Christ, in which all relationships are rooted. As part of its Christian witness, the Church must make a clear and just response, so that the Church and its ministries may be seen as safe places in the community, places where it is known that sexual misconduct is not tolerated. The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area adopts this policy as a means to care for everyone involved with compassion and justice, and in accordance both with secular law and the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
"The policy of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area is that all church members, church officers, nonmember employees, and volunteers of the Presbyterian Church, and related agencies, maintain the integrity of ministerial, employment, and professional relationships at all times. Sexual misconduct is a violation of the principles set forth in Scripture and is never permissible."
-Policy Statement of the Sexual Misconduct Response Committee, PTCA
Level 1 Prevention Dates and Locations, 2008
Level 1 training is given to all newly ordained pastors, pastors new to the Presbytery , as well as elders, deacons, youth workers and church employees.
To be announced
Level 2 Prevention Dates Locations, 2008
Level 2 training is given to those who have completed Level 1 prevention training. One must take a level 2 training every three years to remain in compliance.
To be announced
Congregational Resources
Links
Creating Safe Churches (Resources from the PCUSA)
Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network
Committee to End Sexual Misconduct Within the Religious Community (Minnesota Council of Churches)
Local Shelters for Women and Children
SMRC Contact Info:
smrc@ptcaweb.orgSMRC Roster:
Co-Chairs:
-
Sandra Stuart-Gray
- Jack Schaeffer
Other Members:
- Kimberly Goodman
- Vaughn Jefferson
- Sarai Beck
- Julie James
- Margaret Taylor
- LeRoy Haynes
- Georgia Harris
SMRC Members
