"It is the policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada that sexual abuse or harassment of any kind by church leaders, staff or volunteers will not be tolerated. All allegations will be taken seriously, and handled according to the terms of this policy."

To view our complete Policy on Sexual Abuse and Harassment, please download the pdf here.

Preface

This booklet contains the policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada for dealing with complaints of sexual abuse and harassment. It was approved at the General Assembly in June, 1993 with revisions approved in subsequent years.

The policy has been restructured for easier use. As well as some changes in order, there are now separate procedure sections for use by presbyteries and sessions.

Considerable time and effort was given by volunteers to the writing of the policy at various stages. We wish to thank particularly, Deborah Lannon, Michael Farris, JoAnne Walter, and the Anglican Diocese of Toronto for the use of their resources. Special thanks also go to Jean Armstrong for her leadership in developing this policy while serving in Ministry & Church Vocations and to Maureen Walter for the time, energy and valuable input she gave to both the original and the current documents.

We consulted legal counsel extensively to ensure that the policy would function within the Canadian justice system.

Sessions and presbyteries are invited to provide feedback about the policy to Ministry and Church Vocations which has ongoing responsibility for recommending revisions to future General Assemblies.

Ministry and Church Vocations
Life and Mission Agency
November 1998

Policy Overview

It is the policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada that sexual abuse or harassment of any kind by church leaders, staff or volunteers will not be tolerated.

Because of the serious consequences of sexual abuse or harassment, the Church will make every effort to ensure that such abuse or harassment does not occur within its jurisdiction. When complaints of sexual abuse and/or harassment arise, the Church will respond with seriousness, sensitivity and concern for all involved, and will recognize the necessity of dealing with both complainant and complainee in a fair and just manner. This policy is designed to ensure that the Church deals with complaints. It is not designed to help search out wrongdoing.

Every allegation will be taken seriously, and every response will include the following steps:

Discovery:

When an allegation has been received, the process of dealing with the complaint will be set in motion, and those with a need to know will be informed. (See Section A, p. 13 or p. 37)

Intervention:

Resources and support will be offered to the principal people involved, as deemed appropriate and in keeping with the provisions of the policy. Such support may include the appointment of advisors to both complainant and the person complained against, and the provision of pastoral care wherever needed. (See Section B, p. 17 or p. 42)

Investigation:

Allegations will be investigated in order to gather the information necessary for deciding the facts and determining appropriate courses of action. Interviews will be conducted with both the complainant and the person complained against, and others as necessary. (See Section C, p. 22 or p. 47)

Adjudication:

Decisions will be made regarding the facts of the allegation, whether or not misconduct occurred, and if so, its nature and scope. After determining the nature and scope of any misconduct, decisions will be made regarding any actions to be taken. (See Section D, p. 27 or p. 52)

Relationship Of The Policy To The Book Of Forms

This policy is intended to be used in conjunction with the Book of Forms, not in opposition to it.

The Book of Forms lacks an efficient time-sensitive procedure to deal with complaints against Church members or leaders arising from those without a voice in the Church courts. The policy is intended to fill this gap, and to provide the Church with a method for ensuring that complaints are dealt with thoroughly and fairly.

Complaints of sexual abuse or harassment are initially dealt with under this policy. Any person directly affected by the complaint may insist that the matter be taken to a formal trial under the Book of Forms if they are not satisfied with the result reached under the Policy. (See Section D.7, p. 31 or p. 56, for further information on when going to formal trial is appropriate.)

As counselled in the Book of Forms, church discipline should be conducted with continual prayerfulness, love, affection and humility. The Church is called to use this policy in the same way, under the continual illumination of the Holy Spirit.