Friday, June 29, 2007

Workshop focuses on preventing clergy sexual abuse

By Sue H. Poss

CBF Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Clergy sexual abuse is a problem that most churches want to keep under cover so as not to hurt the minister, the minister's family or the church, said Joe Trull, editor of Christian Ethics Today.

Trull led a workshop on "Working to Prevent Clergy Sexual Abuse" at the 2007 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly. Trull, a former seminary professor, is co-author of a book titled "Ministerial Ethics: Moral Formation for Church Leaders," that includes a chapter on sexual abuse.

Trull said abuse happens to varying degrees: surveys show one in three ministers admit to having done "something inappropriate" with a parishioner and 12 percent admit to having had sexual relations with a parishioner.

"It becomes not just a betrayal of sexual trust," said Trull, "but also a betrayal of power since the minister holds a position of power."

So, what can be done? Trull suggests that churches, individuals and ministers should make themselves aware of the problem, appropriate ethical boundaries, dynamics of clergy sexual abuse, professional limitations and personal susceptibilities.

Warning signs that might indicate trouble ahead for ministers include inordinate sexual fantasy, sexual gestures or body language, wanting to share intimacies that are not called for; or a parishioner wanting too much time or attention.

Ministers should have strong support systems in place, Trull said, beginning with a strong marriage, but also including accountability achieved through regular meetings with colleagues, or with counselors or mentors. Trull said ministers should receive training in ethical behavior in seminaries and colleges, and develop a clear code of ethics for themselves.

There are also steps congregations can take to help protect their members - either children or adults - from falling victim to abuse. The first is to ask questions of prospective staff such as "have you ever been subjected to church disciplinary proceedings?" Then ask questions of the past two or three churches the prospect has served and check all references.

Churches should have policies in place to address potential accusations that might be made, and guidelines for ministering to victims and their families. Trull said that, despite the tendency to want to cover up abuse in the church, anyone with knowledge of clergy abuse of children is required by law to report it.

Trull said he would like to make it easier for churches to protect their membership by having a registry of former abusers easily available.

The Baptist General Convention of Texas has produced a document called "Broken Trust: Confronting Clergy Sexual Misconduct," which includes sample screening questions, crisis guidance and a resource list. You can find other resources on clergy sexual abuse at bgct/brokentrust. The BGCT also maintains a list of registered sex offenders who were or are on staff at its affiliated churches.

http://www.biblicalrecorder.org/content/news/2007/06_29_2007/ne290607workshop.shtml