It is professional misconduct when any person with ministerial authority* engages in:

• Sexual activity with congregants or employees

• Sexualized behavior with congregants or employees (jokes, touching, inappropriate gift giving)

• Sexual harassment

• Financial impropriety with individuals

• Financial impropriety with organizations they serve

Such behavior violates the ministerial role and relationship and exploits the vulnerabilities of individuals and structures of religious organizations.

 

* Persons with ministerial authority include but are not limited to:

• Ordained clergy

• Commissioned lay persons, deacons (ordained or lay)

• Church school teacher, youth group leaders, church musicians or camp counselors 

These positions may be paid or volunteer

 

If you or your congregation have experienced clergy misconduct,  contact us.