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Encore Issues | PW | PC(USA) |
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"It doesn’t happen in the Presbyterian Church” is a phrase I have heard over and over again in my work. “It” is sexual misconduct and it can and does happen, in the largest and the smallest churches, in our denomination. It—and the PC(USA)’s desire to respond, rather than ignore it—is the reason my job exists. In 1998, a reunion of Presbyterian missionary families brought together former students of Central School, a boarding school in Central Congo, Africa. As six women shared their experiences, they were stunned to discover that all of them had hidden a secret shame—molestation by a well-loved missionary. Thus began a painful journey to uncover the extent of the abuse and, for the women, to find justice, healing and restoration. In 2000, the General Assembly Council’s Executive Committee appointed an Independent Committee of Inquiry (ICI) to explore these allegations. In September 2002, the final report of the ICI was presented at a meeting of the General Assembly Council. Out of that report came 30 recommendations, all of which have been implemented, on how the church can better respond to abuse cases. Learn the basic definition of “sexual misconduct” and find out what the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is doing to educate its members about this problem. Call 800/524-2612 Pat Hendrix is the sexual misconduct ombudsperson for the Worldwide Ministries Division, PC(USA). To learn more about how your congregation, presbytery or synod can prevent sexual misconduct, contact Pat at 888/728-7728, ext. 5207, or phendrix@ctr.pcusa.org. |
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