The Ethical Role Of Sexual Misconduct In The Church

A. Sexual misconduct is a misuse of authority and power that breaches Christian ethical principles by misusing a trust relation to gain advantage over another for personal pleasure in an abusive, exploitative, and unjust manner. Even if someone such as a parishioner, client, employee or student initiates or invites sexual content in the relationship, it is always the responsibility of the church leader (pastor, elder, officer, employer, volunteer, counselor, supervisor, teacher or adviser) to prohibit a sexual relationship.

B. Sexual misconduct is a violation of the role of any church leader (pastor, elder, deacon, officer, employer, volunteer, counselor, supervisor, teacher, or adviser of any kind) who is called upon to exercise integrity, sensitivity, and caring in a trust relationship. Sexual misconduct is also a violation of the covenant to act in the best interest of persons such as parishioners, clients, co-workers, employees, and students.

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Sexual misconduct takes advantage of the vulnerability of children and persons who may lack the power to protect themselves from such misconduct. Sexual misconduct is antithetical to the gospel call to work as God’s servant in the struggle to bring wholeness to a broken world. Sexual misconduct violates the mandate to protect the vulnerable from harm.

D. For the above reasons, sexual misconduct is prohibited by this Church and will never be condoned or