The House of Bishops has renewed its commitment to a robust pastoral response to “allegations of sexual misconduct, regardless of how long ago such alleged misconduct occurred.” The bishops’ resolution, approved during their retreat at Kanuga Conference Center March 12-15, follows an open letter by the Diocese of San Diego’s Task Force for Compassionate Care for Victims of … [Read more...] about No Embedded Statute of Limitations
MeToo
A Detailed Response to Sexual Misconduct
The Diocese of San Diego adopts report drawing from practices of the U.S. Navy. By Matthew Townsend For parishes and dioceses aspiring to overhaul how they handle cases of clergy sexual misconduct — especially concerning recurring trauma suffered by victims and parishes — a new model may be emerging within the church. Months of deep research by a five-member task force in the … [Read more...] about A Detailed Response to Sexual Misconduct
‘No Statute of Limitations’
Bishop Gregory H. Rickel writes a letter to the people of the Diocese of Olympia regarding the three-year suspension of the statute of limitations on charges of sexual misconduct: While I am in complete support of this measure, and voted for it at General Convention, I also want to make clear that since the moment I walked through the doors of DHouse to become the 8th Bishop of … [Read more...] about ‘No Statute of Limitations’
Church to Lift Statute Jan. 1
Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, president of the House of Deputies, write about the Episcopal Church’s suspension of the statute of limitations, which begins Jan. 1: Advent 2018 Dear People of God in the Episcopal Church: Nearly a year ago, we issued a call for the church to examine its history and come to a fuller understanding of how we … [Read more...] about Church to Lift Statute Jan. 1
Bp. Paul Moore and #MeToo
The Rt. Rev. Andrew M.L. Dietsche, Bishop of New York, writes about how the diocese has faced one part of Bishop Paul Moore Jr.’s legacy: For those of us who were present at General Convention, the careful, well-planned presentation of personal stories, by both women and men, was a powerful learning of both the depth and breadth of the inappropriate exercise of power and the … [Read more...] about Bp. Paul Moore and #MeToo
Sexual Sins: From Lament to Resolve
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald Graphic accounts of sexual harassment in the Episcopal Church were center stage on the eve of General Convention July 4 as bishops presided at a liturgy focused on lamentation, confession, and healing. Raw material came from 42 letters received in response to the bishops’ call for stories in the wake of the #MeToo movement that has exposed sexual … [Read more...] about Sexual Sins: From Lament to Resolve
‘It’s Going to Take Culture Change’
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald As the Rev. Megan Castellan set out five months ago on a disciplinary reform project to reduce sexual misconduct in the Episcopal Church, she expected progress to take longer than it has. “Even the most well-meaning people don’t like change if it means they have to give up power or perceived power,” said Castellan, an alternate deputy from Central … [Read more...] about ‘It’s Going to Take Culture Change’
Deputies Move on MeToo, Israel
By Matthew Townsend In a busy legislative session on July 9, the House of Deputies passed a substitute resolution that continues the 79th General Convention’s effort to shed light on the harassment and exploitation of women in the church. Substitute Resolution D016 — or Seeking Truth, Reconciliation and Restoration — rolled together an original resolution by the same … [Read more...] about Deputies Move on MeToo, Israel