The Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church
Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy
To all members of the Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church
Greetings and Blessings in the name of our beloved Lord!
Our Church has a clear policy regarding sexual harassment and misconduct. This policy is to be read, understood, and adhered to. There are several reasons for its implementing:
1. The first, and simplest is that it is he USA law. As many of you are aware, the Society is a legally incorporated ecclesiastical entity in the State of Michigan; all formal organizations have to have certain policies in place, and a sexual harassment policy is one of them.
2. Less formally, but more importantly, the Society is also adopting these rules because our members, and their communities, need to be protected. We are a community of persons who deal with the intimate details of many people’s lives on a far more personal level than a business, and our Society has specific expectations and limitations on what constitutes appropriate boundaries in such relationships. In the end, as ministers, we are held to a distinct standard for how to conduct ourselves with those who have come to us in their vulnerability seeking help. Just as the relationship between a therapist and their client is subjected to many safeguards and defined boundaries, so too is that of a minister’s with theirs. These safeguards are to protect both parties; the one receiving help is protected from undue coercion and being taken advantage of, and the minister (and the organization they serve), is protected from adverse action due to false allegations.
3. Finally, the policy helps define, and make clear, acceptable and unacceptable behaviors and boundaries so that we do not place ourselves, through a well-intended ignorance, into situations which will ultimately destroy our ministries. We are in a special role in our larger community, and must realize that that role assumes some very special constraints and obligations. To be a priest of Christ is, in many ways, to subordinate our desires to the benefit of others. What is acceptable to others in the world is not allowed to us, and what is allowed, often has to be approached in very specific ways lest we violate the protections and welfare of others.
We have seen, know of, and probably even know those who have been wounded by priests of many denominations, or know of those who would take advantage of their “flock”. We probably also know of those who have had their lives shattered by spurious and hateful lies. Here in America, the topic is especially litigious, and has spawned the very legalistic necessity and language we have used in our policy. In an ideal world, we would have no need of such distasteful discussions or policies; however we are called to serve in a broken world. Even the priesthood, the assurance of Christ’s promises, is no guarantee of safety, as he himself warned us of predators in disguise.
We must therefore in the light of the above honor our call, and protect those God has given us to protect. This policy is one such powerful and legal tool to accomplish this, in a land where words have replaced swords or staves.
Blessings in Christ Jesus,
+ Marius SJC 10/14/2015 Southfield, MICHIGAN
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy Implementation Guide
To effectively implement the SJC’s new policy, there are a few steps that need to be followed, most of which are very straightforward:
Preamble
As a community of Christian faith, the Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church, herewith called “The Society”, is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which members, friends, and volunteers can worship, learn and work together in an atmosphere free from harassment, exploitation or intimidation.
All persons associated with the Society should be aware that the church is strongly opposed to Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Harassment and that such behavior is prohibited by the church’s policy. It is the intention of the church to take action in an attempt to prevent and correct behavior that is contrary to this policy and, if necessary, to discipline those persons who violate this policy.
The ethical conduct of all persons who minister in the name of Jesus Christ is of vital importance to this Church, because through these representatives an understanding of God and the Gospels’ good news is conveyed. It is incumbent upon the church, if allegations of sexual misconduct arise, to respond to those involved with compassion and justice. To that end this policy has been adopted.
It is the policy of the Society to encourage its ministers to nurture safety within ministerial relationships by being attentive to self-care, education, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources. Any minister who gives counseling, care, or direction to others must recognize that the person who comes for help or guidance is in a dependent position, both by nature of their need, and by nature of the professional's role.
Ethical guidelines mandate that the responsibility for safeguarding the dependent person's personal boundaries lies with the professional. Thus, in such situations there is no such thing as "mutual consent" in terms of physical or sexual contact. No matter how the dependent person behaves, the professional stands liable for the safety of that person, all members of the Society of Jesus Christ-Old Catholic Church will read, and avail themselves of all necessary resources to ensure they understand the Society’s policy regarding Sexual Harassment and misconduct. Furthermore, as a condition of their membership provide signed affidavits of their having read and understood the policy, and their obligation to adhere to it.
Prohibited Behavior Sexual Exploitation or Sexual Harassment of parishioners or others by anyone engaged in ministry on behalf of the Society is unethical behavior and will not be tolerated within this congregation.
It is the policy of this Church that all church members, officers, ordained ministers of every rank, and volunteers working in, with and for this Church, are to maintain the integrity of the ministerial relationship at all times. Sexual misconduct is a violation of the ministerial relationship and is never permissible or acceptable. Nor is it acceptable for members to knowingly allow such behavior to continue.
Sexual harassment specifically, and sexual misconduct generally, both as defined in this policy are strictly prohibited to all covered by it.
Retaliation against anyone making good-faith allegations or reports of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct is prohibited by this policy and federal law.
Reporting Procedure
The leadership of the Society must be aware of misconduct and harassment in order to stop it and prevent further aberrant behavior.
Anyone who believes that a member of the Society has engaged in any of the listed prohibited behaviors must report that fact in a timely manner to the designated ordinary of the Society. Typically, this will be the presiding Bishop of the region affected. However, by law you are not required to report to someone in a direct supervisory line, nor to the person accused; therefore a complaint may be filed directly with the Society’s ruling hierarch, the Right Reverend Marius Sidau
All bishops receiving such complaints are required to notify the ruling hierarch the Society immediately. Otherwise, such complaints are to be kept confidential, and treated with due seriousness.
You may formally or informally complain to the ruling hierarch through any means needed to contact him, which includes telephone, email, or any other mode of communication.
No member of the Society may engage in any form of retaliatory behavior towards those who make such complaints in good faith, or cooperate with resulting investigations.
A Bishop will promptly investigate the matter to try and ascertain the facts and determine appropriate disciplinary action to take. Please cooperate with the investigation by providing copies of any and all evidence you may have regarding the allegations.
When the investigation is completed, the investigating Bishop will provide the complainant with a written summary of the outcome of the investigation.
Persons Covered
All volunteers, ordained and non-ordained members, and any designated as being representatives of the Society by members of the Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church are covered by and subject to this policy.
General Definitions
Sexual Harassment- Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
The Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church Statement of Acknowledgement of the Society’s Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy
I, _____________________, the undersigned, do attest that, as a member of the Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church, I have read and understood the Society’s policy regarding both Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, and will abide by, adhere to, and administer to the best of my ability and position within the Society the policy described.
I understand my obligations to refrain from the described prohibited behaviors, to include retaliation against those making good faith complaints.
I understand my obligations to report such activities in a timely fashion as described for the protection of their victims and the speedy resolution and correction of any of the prohibited activities by others in the Society.
I understand that, if such complaints are made to me that I will maintain the confidentiality of the allegations, saving the necessary reporting of them to the General Superior of the Society as soon as possible. If assigned to investigate such allegations, I will maintain confidentiality as far as possible while still obtaining the necessary information to make a factual conclusion.
I understand that I must cooperate in any investigations by the Society’s ruling hierarch(s), or representatives of legal entities investigating any event of which I have direct knowledge as a witness.
Signed by my own hand on this _____ day of the month of __________, 2018.
________________________________________
Member Signature
________________________________________
Witness Signature
Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy
To all members of the Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church
Greetings and Blessings in the name of our beloved Lord!
Our Church has a clear policy regarding sexual harassment and misconduct. This policy is to be read, understood, and adhered to. There are several reasons for its implementing:
1. The first, and simplest is that it is he USA law. As many of you are aware, the Society is a legally incorporated ecclesiastical entity in the State of Michigan; all formal organizations have to have certain policies in place, and a sexual harassment policy is one of them.
2. Less formally, but more importantly, the Society is also adopting these rules because our members, and their communities, need to be protected. We are a community of persons who deal with the intimate details of many people’s lives on a far more personal level than a business, and our Society has specific expectations and limitations on what constitutes appropriate boundaries in such relationships. In the end, as ministers, we are held to a distinct standard for how to conduct ourselves with those who have come to us in their vulnerability seeking help. Just as the relationship between a therapist and their client is subjected to many safeguards and defined boundaries, so too is that of a minister’s with theirs. These safeguards are to protect both parties; the one receiving help is protected from undue coercion and being taken advantage of, and the minister (and the organization they serve), is protected from adverse action due to false allegations.
3. Finally, the policy helps define, and make clear, acceptable and unacceptable behaviors and boundaries so that we do not place ourselves, through a well-intended ignorance, into situations which will ultimately destroy our ministries. We are in a special role in our larger community, and must realize that that role assumes some very special constraints and obligations. To be a priest of Christ is, in many ways, to subordinate our desires to the benefit of others. What is acceptable to others in the world is not allowed to us, and what is allowed, often has to be approached in very specific ways lest we violate the protections and welfare of others.
We have seen, know of, and probably even know those who have been wounded by priests of many denominations, or know of those who would take advantage of their “flock”. We probably also know of those who have had their lives shattered by spurious and hateful lies. Here in America, the topic is especially litigious, and has spawned the very legalistic necessity and language we have used in our policy. In an ideal world, we would have no need of such distasteful discussions or policies; however we are called to serve in a broken world. Even the priesthood, the assurance of Christ’s promises, is no guarantee of safety, as he himself warned us of predators in disguise.
We must therefore in the light of the above honor our call, and protect those God has given us to protect. This policy is one such powerful and legal tool to accomplish this, in a land where words have replaced swords or staves.
Blessings in Christ Jesus,
+ Marius SJC 10/14/2015 Southfield, MICHIGAN
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy Implementation Guide
To effectively implement the SJC’s new policy, there are a few steps that need to be followed, most of which are very straightforward:
- Read the policy in its entirety.
- Pay particular notice of the definitions provided, as they will help you get an understanding of what is, and is not, covered.
- Make note of any questions you have.
- If multiple clergy are present, have a meeting and discuss the policy to ensure there is a common understanding of the requirements.
- Questions about particulars of the policy may be directed to Bishop Marius.
- There are two crucial parts of the policy that must be understood:
- The Prohibited behaviors
- No Sexual Harassment, as defined.
- No Sexual Misconduct, as defined. (the two are NOT the same, although Harassment is covered by Misconduct)
- No retaliation against those who make complaints or allegations.
- The Required behaviors
- Must provide contact information.
- Those who know about violations must report them.
- When you have understood the policy, make copies of the signature page and sign it.
- Once signed and witnessed, send the signed copy to Bishop Marius for his files.
- Every member of the clergy must sign the policy. Every “formal” member of the SJC must also sign the policy, even if they are not ordained.
- Parishioners need to be informed of the policy, but do not need to sign the acknowledgement form.
- For those clergy who have congregations, they should make a general announcement to their parishioners of the new policy, and provide them with the reporting contacts they can use to report concerns.
- At a minimum, parishioners need to be provided:
- Your private contact information.
-AND- - Bishop Marius’ contact information.
Preamble
As a community of Christian faith, the Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church, herewith called “The Society”, is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which members, friends, and volunteers can worship, learn and work together in an atmosphere free from harassment, exploitation or intimidation.
All persons associated with the Society should be aware that the church is strongly opposed to Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Harassment and that such behavior is prohibited by the church’s policy. It is the intention of the church to take action in an attempt to prevent and correct behavior that is contrary to this policy and, if necessary, to discipline those persons who violate this policy.
The ethical conduct of all persons who minister in the name of Jesus Christ is of vital importance to this Church, because through these representatives an understanding of God and the Gospels’ good news is conveyed. It is incumbent upon the church, if allegations of sexual misconduct arise, to respond to those involved with compassion and justice. To that end this policy has been adopted.
It is the policy of the Society to encourage its ministers to nurture safety within ministerial relationships by being attentive to self-care, education, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources. Any minister who gives counseling, care, or direction to others must recognize that the person who comes for help or guidance is in a dependent position, both by nature of their need, and by nature of the professional's role.
Ethical guidelines mandate that the responsibility for safeguarding the dependent person's personal boundaries lies with the professional. Thus, in such situations there is no such thing as "mutual consent" in terms of physical or sexual contact. No matter how the dependent person behaves, the professional stands liable for the safety of that person, all members of the Society of Jesus Christ-Old Catholic Church will read, and avail themselves of all necessary resources to ensure they understand the Society’s policy regarding Sexual Harassment and misconduct. Furthermore, as a condition of their membership provide signed affidavits of their having read and understood the policy, and their obligation to adhere to it.
Prohibited Behavior Sexual Exploitation or Sexual Harassment of parishioners or others by anyone engaged in ministry on behalf of the Society is unethical behavior and will not be tolerated within this congregation.
It is the policy of this Church that all church members, officers, ordained ministers of every rank, and volunteers working in, with and for this Church, are to maintain the integrity of the ministerial relationship at all times. Sexual misconduct is a violation of the ministerial relationship and is never permissible or acceptable. Nor is it acceptable for members to knowingly allow such behavior to continue.
Sexual harassment specifically, and sexual misconduct generally, both as defined in this policy are strictly prohibited to all covered by it.
Retaliation against anyone making good-faith allegations or reports of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct is prohibited by this policy and federal law.
Reporting Procedure
The leadership of the Society must be aware of misconduct and harassment in order to stop it and prevent further aberrant behavior.
Anyone who believes that a member of the Society has engaged in any of the listed prohibited behaviors must report that fact in a timely manner to the designated ordinary of the Society. Typically, this will be the presiding Bishop of the region affected. However, by law you are not required to report to someone in a direct supervisory line, nor to the person accused; therefore a complaint may be filed directly with the Society’s ruling hierarch, the Right Reverend Marius Sidau
All bishops receiving such complaints are required to notify the ruling hierarch the Society immediately. Otherwise, such complaints are to be kept confidential, and treated with due seriousness.
You may formally or informally complain to the ruling hierarch through any means needed to contact him, which includes telephone, email, or any other mode of communication.
No member of the Society may engage in any form of retaliatory behavior towards those who make such complaints in good faith, or cooperate with resulting investigations.
A Bishop will promptly investigate the matter to try and ascertain the facts and determine appropriate disciplinary action to take. Please cooperate with the investigation by providing copies of any and all evidence you may have regarding the allegations.
When the investigation is completed, the investigating Bishop will provide the complainant with a written summary of the outcome of the investigation.
Persons Covered
All volunteers, ordained and non-ordained members, and any designated as being representatives of the Society by members of the Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church are covered by and subject to this policy.
General Definitions
Sexual Harassment- Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct or communication is made a term or condition of employment or of equal access to and full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations, public services, education or housing; or,
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct or communication is used as a factor in decisions affecting an individual’s employment, or an individual’s full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations, public services, education or housing; or,
- Such conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations, public services, education or housing; or,
- The conduct or communication creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, educational environment or housing environment.
- Examples of Sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
- repeated sexual innuendos, sexual epithets, derogatory slurs, off-color jokes (for example, jokes that include sexual language, innuendo, references, scenarios, etc.);
- propositions, threats, or suggestive or insulting sounds (for example, comments about body, sexuality, etc., including insults and innuendo) even if the comment is about someone else;
- inappropriate e-mail (for example, e-mail that includes sexual jokes or other references of a sexual nature about any person, gossip or speculation about a person’s sexuality, sexual practices, sexual health, pregnancy, virility, etc.). This includes e-mail that was sent accidentally, for example by hitting the “forward” button instead of “reply,” or forgetting that a particular individual or worker is on one of your group lists.
- derogatory posters, cartoons or drawings (for example, cartoons and calendars that include nudity, sex acts, provocative poses, innuendo, sexual language, etc.);
- suggestive objects or pictures (for example, photographs that include nudity, sex acts, provocative poses; wallpaper, Screensavers, or other electronic displays of a sexual nature);
- graphic commentaries; leering; or obscene gestures (for example, vulgar gestures, gestures simulating sexual acts, “shooting the finger,” kissing the air toward someone or licking the lips in a sexually suggestive or provocative manner).
- Child sexual abuse;
- Sexual Harassment;
- Sexual contact by force, threat, intimidation, or misuse of power in a trust relationship (i.e. Rape);
- Other sexual conduct including, but not limited to, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other kinds of verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, such as obscene or suggestive language or behavior, use of church property, computers and other equipment for sexual or pornographic purposes, unacceptable visual contact, touching or fondling) that is unwelcome and/or repeated when the person engaged in the conduct knows or has been informed that the conduct is unwelcome or offensive to the recipient;
- Sexual conduct within a pastoral relationship (e.g. clergy with a member of the congregation), lay member or volunteer with a Church member, officer or representative with a Church member (or other person who may be a lay or ordained), including sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This definition does not apply to relationships between spouses.
The Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church Statement of Acknowledgement of the Society’s Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy
I, _____________________, the undersigned, do attest that, as a member of the Society of Jesus Christ Orthodox Church, I have read and understood the Society’s policy regarding both Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, and will abide by, adhere to, and administer to the best of my ability and position within the Society the policy described.
I understand my obligations to refrain from the described prohibited behaviors, to include retaliation against those making good faith complaints.
I understand my obligations to report such activities in a timely fashion as described for the protection of their victims and the speedy resolution and correction of any of the prohibited activities by others in the Society.
I understand that, if such complaints are made to me that I will maintain the confidentiality of the allegations, saving the necessary reporting of them to the General Superior of the Society as soon as possible. If assigned to investigate such allegations, I will maintain confidentiality as far as possible while still obtaining the necessary information to make a factual conclusion.
I understand that I must cooperate in any investigations by the Society’s ruling hierarch(s), or representatives of legal entities investigating any event of which I have direct knowledge as a witness.
Signed by my own hand on this _____ day of the month of __________, 2018.
________________________________________
Member Signature
________________________________________
Witness Signature