Church Polity and Abuse

TCassidy · May 24, 2011

menageriekeeper said

TC, your policies on sexual abuse are great. They are in line with what my own church does with the exception of the windows to the outside being open. Windows to the inside hallways are left uncovered, but the outside ones are curtained. Two reasons: a) we don't want perverts on the street to be looking in for targets and b) we have an awful lot of theft problems, don't want to give the thieves any info either!
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The windows in question open only onto an interior sidewalk inside the church property. I agree that if the windows opened on a public sidewalk we would also keep them curtained.

Now, what policies does your church have to report abuse you are aware of that occurs off church grounds (or in my case on church grounds by the parents)? What do you do when you hear a child being verbally abused at church by a parent?
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I think I covered that in post #140, but I will repost it here.

Any member can bring to any Elder any allegation of improper conduct. It is required that the Elder then bring that allegation to the collective body of Elders who are tasked with taking the appropriate action. If the allegation involves criminal activity the Elders are required to call, and cooperate with, law enforcement authorities.

If the allegation does not involve criminal activity the Elders will, collectively, interview all persons involved and will make a recommendation regarding the issue. That recommendation will then be brought to the congregation at large who will, collectively, approve or disapprove the recommendation.

If the allegation is against a member who is not in a position of leadership, and there is no unlawful conduct alleged, any action will cease upon the withdrawing of that persons membership. However, that person will not be given a letter of recommendation to any other church nor will the Elders give a verbal recommendation to any other church for that withdrawn member.

Its not perfect, but it works.
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Change of topic, what policies does your church hold you to that prevents you from becoming a "little dictator"? (not that you would, but the next guy might try it) .
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Our Polity is written into our Constitution and Bylaws. In order to be considered for a staff position any candidate is required to sign a statement that he agrees to abide by those policies and if he ever changes his mind he will resign. If he refuses to resign the other Elders will remove him.

Again, not perfect, but it works.

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