Resources & Tools

Sexual Ethics and Misconduct Policies

The New England Conference provides a variety of resources, training, and tools for clergy and lay leadership in the local church on education, prevention, and policies regarding sexual misconduct and safe sanctuaries.
 
We all strive to maintain our congregations as safe environments, and when any part of the community is injured, physically, emotionally, spiritually, or relationally, the well being of the whole community is violated and all suffer.  We offer these policies and resources to help congregations establish and maintain safety in the church, to define appropriate boundaries, to support those involved when boundaries are crossed, and to assist in the processes of justice and healing when misconduct occurs. 
 
In addition to the resources found below, questions can be directed to the Sexual Misconduct Response and Intervention Team of the New England Conference:
Rev. Marilyn Robb - Coordinator
207-899-1463 or (cell) 781-454-7269
5 Codman St, Portland ME 04103
 
Click here for the 2011 Report of the Sexual Misconduct Response and Intervention Team with additional information about the function of this group.
If boundaries are crossed...
If you feel your boundaries have been crossed, you can contact your district superintendent or Response Team coordinator for help. Any of these first contacts are familiar with the Conference procedures for dealing with complaints about sexual misconduct in the church. They will offer you guidance, support, tell you about the Conference's policies and procedures, and will act with you expediently upon your report.  
 
FIRST CONTACT Brochures:

Abuse of a minor

If a minor has been sexually abused by someone in a ministerial role, in a leadership role, or simply by someone in the church, make an immediate report to a law enforcement agency in your community. If the abuser is not the pastor, you may go to the pastor, district superintendent, or Response Team coordinator for help, support, and guidance. 

New England Conference Policies and Procedures
Congregational Disclosure Process

If a misconduct situation has happened in a church, the congregation needs to be informed. Under the leadership of a member of the Response/Intervention Team, the following Congregational Disclosure Process is typically followed, with modifications that might be needed for a particular situation.  

Click here to view the Congregational Disclosure Process.

Click here for a Sample Disclosure Letter to the Congregation (DOC)

Safe Sanctuaries Information

View the Conference Safe Sanctuaries page, with a brief overview, as well as resources on anti-bullying and cyber-safety. 

Comprehensive resources are currently available on the General Board of Discipleship's Safe Sanctuaries site, including sample policies, evaluation forms, DVD trainings and guidelines, “healthy congregations” studies and study materials, staff contacts and other resources. Visit www.gbod.org/safesanctuaries.

Other Links and Resources
 
Sexual Ethics site - http://www.umsexualethics.org/, operated by GCSRW at UMC.org
 
National/State Sex Offender Registry: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm 
 
Child Protective Services:
Maine - Child Protective Services -- http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/abuse.shtml
Maine - Adult Protective Services -- http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oes/resource/aps.htm
Massachusetts -- http://www.mass.gov/dss
Sexual Misconduct Response and Intervention Team
First contact can be made through:
Rev. Marilyn Robb - Coordinator
207-899-1463 or (cell) 781-454-7269
5 Codman St, Portland ME 04103
 
or click here for the full list of Response and Intervention Team members (DOC)