GC34 Sexual Abuse (1992S211)

BE IT RESOLVED 

1. that the 34th General Council adopt the definitions for sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, child abuse and pastoral sexual misconduct found in the revised document entitled “Sexual Abuse: (Harassment, Exploitation, Pastoral Sexual Misconduct, Assault) and Child Abuse,” for use in all courts of The United Church of Canada.

2. that the 34th General Council adopt the following policy:

3. The United Church of Canada will not tolerate and will seek to eradicate any behaviour by its members (lay and order of ministry), volunteers, adherents or employees which constitutes sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, pastoral sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or child abuse.

4. The United Church of Canada is committed to providing a safe environment for worship, work and study in all pastoral charges, congregations, institutions, agencies, organizations, or other bodies which operate under its name.  Complaints of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, pastoral sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or child abuse will be taken seriously and dealt with in a spirit of compassion and justice.

5. that the 34th General Council adopt the procedures found in the revised document entitled “Sexual Abuse: (Harassment, Exploitation, Pastoral Sexual Misconduct, Assault) and Child Abuse” for use in all courts of The United Church of Canada;

GC34 1992 ROP, pp. 129 – 138, 475