Policy Statement on Misconduct of a Sexual Nature 

Suncreek United Methodist Church affirms the 1996 Book of Resolutions, Sexual Abuse Within the Ministerial Relationship and Sexual Harassment Within the Church, which states that sexual abuse within the ministerial relationship and sexual harassment within the church are incompatible with biblical teachings of hospitality, justice and healing.  In accordance with The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2000, all human beings, both male and female, are created in the image of God, and thus have been made equal in Christ.  As the promise of Galatians 3:26-29, states all are one in Christ, we support equity among all persons without regard to ethnicity, situation, or gender. 

Sexual abuse within the ministerial relationship occurs when a person within a ministerial role of leadership (pastor, educator, counselor, youth leader or other position of leadership) engages in sexual contact or sexualized behavior with a convergent, client, employee, student, staff member, co-worker or volunteer. 

Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual advance or demand, either verbal or physical, that is reasonably perceived by the recipient as demanding, intimidating, or coercive.  Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the creation of a hostile or abusive working environment resulting from discrimination on the basis of gender (The Book of Discipline). 

Sexual abuse within the ministerial relationship involves a betrayal of sacred trust, a violation of the ministerial role and exploitation of those who are vulnerable.  Similarly, sexual harassment must be understood as an exploitation of a power relationship rather than as an exclusively sexual issue. 

Misconduct of a sexual nature within the life of the Church interferes with its moral mission.  Suncreek United Methodist Church stands in opposition to the sin of misconduct of a sexual nature in the Church and society at large and commits itself to fair and expedient investigation of any charge of sexual misconduct within the church and to take action deemed appropriate and in compliance with The Book of Discipline.  Further, Suncreek United Methodist Church bears affirmative responsibility to create an environment of hospitality for all persons, male or female, which is free of misconduct of a sexual nature and encourages respect, equality and kinship in Christ. 

Some instances of sexual harassment can be resolved easily and informally between the parties.  In all other instances, misconduct of a sexual nature should be reported to the chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee and the pastor in charge.  If the conduct involves a clergy person, it should be reported to the district superintendent or the presiding bishop.