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. 

If boundaries are crossed ...

If you feel your boundaries have been crossed, you can contact your district superintendent or the Response Team coordinator (above right) for help.  They will offer you guidance, support, tell you about the Conference's policies and procedures, and will act on your report expediently.  

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. 

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 for a Sample Disclosure Letter to the Congregation 

Contacts

Sexual Misconduct Response and Intervention Team 

The Response and Intervention Team responds to cases of sexual misconduct. 

Contact Rev. Heather Bailes Baker, Team Coordinator
 

Anti-Sexism Team

The Conference Anti-Sexism Team provides support, training, and resources to address/prevent sexism and gender-based discrimination. This is a first point of contact for clergy and laity seeking support.

Find a list of team members

Contact the team via email at:

Resources

New England Conference Policies and Procedures

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 Discipleship Ministries’ Safe Sanctuaries site, including sample policies, evaluation forms, DVD trainings and guidelines, “healthy congregations” studies and study materials, staff contacts and other resources.

Additional resources

Book of Resolutions on Registered Sex Offenders in a congregation

General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW)

GCSRW's Sexual Ethics site - www.umsexualethics.org

Do No More Harm website 

Information on the formal complaint process from GCSRW
National/State Sex Offender Registry websites

Child Protective Services sites by state:

Connecticut

Maine - Child Protective Services  

Maine - Adult Protective Services  

Massachusetts 

New Hampshire  

Rhode Island

Vermont