You may be aware that clergy, staff members, lay leadership, Sunday School teachers, and others in positions of responsibility have been asked once again to complete online training in recognizing, reporting, and safeguarding against suspected abuse of children and adults. It is diocesan policy that such people undergo initial and ongoing training at regular intervals.
The statistics are staggering: 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys experience molestation or other forms of abuse before age 18. Children are not the only targets; physically and developmentally challenged adults, and the elderly are frequent targets. The #MeToo and #Time’sUp movements have also raised awareness of the particular exploitation many women experience in their professional lives by those who have power over their careers. Sadly, it also happens within the institutional church; recently, Episcopal clergywomen have spoken out about sexual harassment and abuse at the hands of other clergy and even their congregants. (See one priest’s story, written by a seminary classmate of mine, here: https://houseofdeputies.org/2018/03/13/standing-with-todays-canaanite-women.) As a result, the issue of the harassment and abuse of women clergy will be raised at General Convention in July. Women clergy in other denominations have spoken out as well.
Though some would like to dismiss efforts to raise awareness of these heart-breaking statistics and stories as “political correctness” or a feminist fad, I can assure you, they are not. I have personally experienced a gathering of women on the subject, and all of us had at least one story of sexual harassment or abuse to tell. Women and younger children are not the only ones affected nor is harassment or abuse always sexual in nature. Cyberbullying is an epidemic among our young people, with several recent cases of suicide in the news caused by teens driven to the breaking point by what was being said about them on social media. Rape is a tragic feature of life on college campuses. Men have such experiences as well, and are even less likely to talk about them than women or children due to gender stereotyping.
When harassment and abuse happens in a parish or church-sponsored environment, the effects are particularly damaging. People in a church community understandingly have more trust in each other and in their clergy than in other environments. The power imbalance that exists between clergy, lay staff, lay leadership and the congregation they serve makes any kind of exploitation even more traumatic. The feelings of hurt and betrayal are magnified and can cause people to lose their faith altogether.
For this reason, it is essential that everyone be aware of the scope of the problem, and take note of anything suspicious. Clergy, like teachers, doctors, and others in helping professions, are mandated reporters, and if something has raised suspicions, we need to know. Those in leadership or other positions of responsibility, while not mandated reporters, have a moral responsibility to be aware of who is at risk and know what to do if abuse is suspected. The training takes time and the subject matter is disturbing, but it is necessary and important.
In addition, a task force formed at the 2015 General Convention has produced two new statements of policy for the protection of children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Our diocese will be bringing these to our attention soon.
As the saying goes, sunlight is the best disinfectant. Surfacing these unpleasant subjects is the first step in making our parishes, schools, and other communities a safe place. Please know that we are doing our part at St. James’.
~ Rev. Anna Horen