Memorandum Number 975

Review of the East Ohio Sexual Ethics Policy as Required by Memorandum 954

Digest

The East Ohio Annual Conference Policy is in compliance with the Constitution, Discipline, and Decisions of the Judicial Council and may be implemented.

Statement of Facts

FcoThe East Ohio Annual Conference Sexual Ethics Policy for Clergy is before the Judicial Council for review pursuant to Memorandum 954. In that Memorandum we required that all aspects of the policy, inclusive of its appendices, be adopted by the Annual Conference and then submitted to the Council for review.

The East Ohio Annual Conference meeting at its regular session on June 16, 2003, adopted its Sexual Ethics Policy for Clergy, inclusive of appendices and any other aspects of implementation. Inasmuch as these steps have been taken the policy is now ripe for decision.

The Sexual Ethics Policy of the East Ohio Annual Conference is in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution, Discipline and Judicial Council Decisions. The East Ohio policy maintains the fair process provisions that are established under ¶2622 of the 2000 Discipline. The policy conforms to Decision 736 where we listed appropriate items for inclusion in these policies. The policy is suitably tailored in its application and is in compliance with the Constitution. In Decision 736 we listed appropriate items for inclusion in these policies. The East Ohio Annual Conference has worked well in framing its policy. The East Ohio Policy educates persons on the nature and scope of sexual misconduct, sexual abuse and sexual harassment. The policy has clear guidelines for reporting incidents of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and sexual abuse. The policy also provides for the training and use of neutral mediators in instances where it is deemed appropriate.

We commend the East Ohio Annual Conference for its diligence and persistence in framing its Sexual Ethics Policy for Clergy.

Sally Brown Geis was absent.