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 Grace Christian Reformed Church

 

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith”

(Ephesians 2:8)

 

 

 Abuse Prevention &

Awareness Committee

 

  

Policy and Procedures

Approved August 2009

 

 


Table of Contents 

 

1.0  Abuse Prevention and Response Policy

 

            1.1  Purpose of the Policy

 

            1.2  Definitions of Abuse

 

            1.3  Abuse Prevention and Response Policy 

 

2.0  Procedures for Working with Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons

 

            2.1  Childcare Procedures

 

            2.2  Classroom Supervision Procedures

 

            2.3  Hall Monitor Procedures

 

            2.4  G.E.M.S. and Cadets Procedures

 

            2.5  Frog and Youth Group Procedures

 

            2.6  Vacation Bible School Procedures

 

            2.7  Friendship Procedures 

 

3.0  Procedures for Teachers Assisting Victims of Abuse 

 

Appendix 1 – Child Abuse Indicators

  

Appendix 2 – Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church in North America 

 

Appendix 3 – Safe in Grace Response to Abuse Procedures


 

Purpose 

 

Like any congregation in the Church of Jesus Christ, the Grace Christian Reformed Church must be a safe place for all.

 

Sadly, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse does occur in our church families and extended families.  Our Synod’s 1992 Study Committee report on Sexual Abuse within the Church has verified this.  Because of these findings, Grace Christian Reformed Church believes it is very necessary to institute a policy on abuse prevention & response in our congregation.  The intent of the policy is to prevent abuse and to ensure intervention and treatment if it does occur within the church setting and among the church family.

             

The policy aims to help set appropriate boundaries for social interaction between all.  The purpose of these regulations is to prevent abuse and to serve a healthier, more Christ-like life in the church.  This policy also intends to protect all children and vulnerable populations of Grace Church and the adults who supervise or teach in any capacity.

 

It is important to note that Ontario and Canadian Law requires any adult aware or suspecting the physical and/or sexual abuse of any persons under the age of 16 to report their awareness to appropriate authorities, i.e. the Police and/or the Children’s Aid Society. These two agencies work in co-operation with each other. If one is informed, the other becomes involved as a matter of policy. The Abuse Prevention & Response Committee should also be involved to ensure proper ecclesiastical and pastoral responses to situations of abuse. Persons entering into a counseling relationship with the pastor(s) are made aware of this regulation.

 

The items of this policy constitute the overall policy on abuse for Grace Church.  Attached to these regulations are individual program policies for each program in Grace Church on or off the church property.                             


 

Definitions of Abuse

 

(Adapted from the 1992 Study on Abuse in the Christian Reformed Church)

 

Although Grace’s Abuse Policy is primarily designed to protect our children and vulnerable populations, the following definitions are given as general information. Abuse of any form to anyone must be regarded as unthinkable and unacceptable in our Christian community.

 

The victims of ... abuse may be children, teenagers, adults, elderly persons, and persons with physical and/or mental disabilities.

 

Definition of physical abuse and neglect:  Physical abuse includes any intentional human act that results in physical pain or injury to another person (whether or not it leaves a mark or bruise, cut or wound).

 

Physically abusive behavior ranges from slapping, pushing, shoving, punching, kicking, and biting, to more severe forms like choking, severe spanking, beating, hitting with an object, burning, stabbing and shooting. In other words, any means of inflicting pain or injury to another person.

 

Specific examples of physical abuse include a painful smack on the rear, a hard pinch on the cheek or arm, excessive tickling, and ear pulling or hair pulling that causes physical pain. Other examples are slapping, kicking, or punching the head, face or body, choking with the risk of consciousness loss, pushing or throwing across a room, down stairs or against objects; severe shaking, breaking or twisting limbs; burning with irons, stoves, cigarettes or scalding liquids; injuring with thrown objects, stabbing or mutilating with a variety of objects, gunshot wounds; confinement; and forcing one to do something physically dangerous to oneself, such as taking drugs or alcohol.

 

Physical neglect is not doing what one is supposed to do to meet the physical needs of someone in his or her care. Neglect will interfere with or prevent the normal development of a child or adult. It includes not providing adequate food, clothing, or shelter; denying necessary medical care.

 

Definition of sexual abuse: Sexual abuse generally includes any sexual intimacy forced on one person by another.  This includes fondling of body parts such as breasts, crotch, buttocks or sexual organs; body grabbing; intercourse, oral and anal sex.

 

Sexual abuse may or may not involve contact between people. Examples of non-contact sexual abuse including people exposing themselves, obscene telephone calls, cyber bullying, Peeping Toms, requests to engage in sexual activity (where no physical contact occurred), and role inappropriate relationships where there is an imbalance of power.


 

Abuse Prevention & Response Policy 


 

1.      The staff, officers, leaders, teachers, or anyone in a position representing Grace CRC  (hereafter referred to as Grace) are required to report any suspected or alleged incidents    of abuse to the Children’s Aid Society and/or the Chatham-Kent Police Services. It is not  the responsibility of the reporting person to investigate or substantiate the alleged abuse but only to report it to the appropriate agency. The Abuse Prevention and Response  Committee (hereafter referred to as the Committee) should be informed to ensure proper pastoral and ecclesiastical responses are initiated.

 

    Maintaining records of a reported incident will be left to the discretion of the Committee, but if they are kept, they must be secure and kept confidential. It should be noted that, in the case of civil or criminal investigation, these records may be obtained for use in the legal processes.

 

2.   All Staff, leaders, and teachers of Grace are to attend an educational seminar on the dynamics of all types of abuse; this will include church policies and how to recognize signs of abuse and inappropriate behavior. The Committee will also be available to deal with questions and/or reported incidents on an ongoing basis.

 

3.   The Committee oversees that each program at Grace involving vulnerable populations has, and maintains, operating procedures aimed at preventing and protecting vulnerable populations from being abused, as well as providing protection for all adults in the supervision of these programs. 

 

4.   All children/youth/vulnerable populations will be informed of the preventative and responsive operating procedures for the programs they participate in.  This will be done through their programs.  They will be informed on how to protect themselves and whom they can consult for help.  The committee will provide information or resources for parents to use at their own discretion to help talk with their children about this sensitive issue.

 

5.   The Abuse Awareness Committee shall be comprised of a council rep, the Church  Education leader, and at least five other members from the congregation whose membership is in good standing. 

 

6.   Removal or supervision of alleged offenders serving in some capacity will follow the following guidelines:

A.     When the allegation of abuse is made, the alleged offender must be informed of these allegations in a manner that does not obstruct the investigation or put the alleged victim at risk.  The alleged offender must be immediately suspended from participating in all service roles in the church until the proper authorities do an investigation.

B.     If the allegations are found to be false the censure on service will be lifted.

C.     If the allegations are true the offender must continue under censure and be dealt with by the Pastor/Elders per Church Order Articles 78-84. (Refer to Appendix 2)

D.     If the victim is a minor, the normal legally required reporting will be followed; further, the following procedures will be done if the Pastor is the alleged     offender:

 

i. The Church Visitors and the Pastor-Church Relations Director shall be notified immediately.

 

ii. Suspension of an Office Bearer means, in the case of the Pastor, that his salary, housing, and other benefits continue while under suspension.

 

iii. The help and counsel of the denominational Office of Safe Church Ministry and the Classical Safe Church Team will be sought.

 

iv. The alleged offending party and the Council shall seek to keep the incident confidential until the merits of the case are determined.

 

v. The Council (with the help of professional counselors) shall make an evaluation of the alleged offending party (accused) as well as the alleged    offended party (victim).  In addition, the Church Visitors shall work as arbitrators or go-betweens with the Council and the parties. This is to ensure     that the full story is being told.

 

vi. If/when suspension is lifted, the lifting of suspension shall be made known to the Church Visitors, to the director of Pastor-Church Relations, and to an executive session of Classis.

 

vii. The Council shall encourage both parties to seek professional counseling.

 

**     These Guidelines follow recommended procedures as outlined by Synod.

 

7.   Reinstatement of a healed offender:

           A.    The ex-offender must request reinstatement into the church and admit sorrow for this sin per Church Order Articles 81-84. (Refer to Appendix 2)

          B.    The healed offender must submit a psychologist or therapist's statement of visitation and progress in treatment to the Senior Pastor or his designee.

          C.    The healed offender will not be placed in a volunteer position, which places  him/her at risk.

 

8.   To protect Staff and Volunteers and assure accountability of Program Leaders, any concerns of these volunteers regarding the safety of Grace children/youth and vulnerable populations must be reported to the Committee.

 

9.   The Committee will ensure that there is an annual review of all Abuse Prevention & Response Policies, procedures and their requirements and

            make subsequent recommendations to the Council.

 


 

Childcare Procedures

 

        

1.      There is a sign-in system in place.  The sign-in sheet should be completed when children arrive to the childcare area, the Mother-in-Charge is to ensure that parents sign in their children as they arrive.

 

2.      A minimum of two people, consisting of at least one adult, are to be in the childcare area.  If both attendants have not yet arrived, a parent or guardian will stay with the child until the second person has arrived.

 

3.      Allow only assigned workers or approved substitutes to be in the childcare area.  A designated substitute list will be available in the Area. 

 

4.      All changing of diapers/clothing shall be done in the designated area. Parents shall be informed if diapers/clothing has been changed and who did it.

 

5.      No immediate family members are to be placed in charge of the childcare area at the same time. (Immediate family includes but is not limited to grandparents, parents,   siblings and children)

 

6.      No one may take a child from the childcare area to another part of the church at any time.

 

7.      If a toddler is using the bathroom in the childcare area, the attendant will ensure that the top portion of the door is open if they have to assist the child.

         A.  No pre-teen may take children to the bathroom.

         B.  No males should assist children with toileting.

 

Anyone with concerns that the guidelines and/or procedures are not being followed please notify the Childcare Coordinator and the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee. 

 


 

Classroom Supervision Procedures

(Guidelines for Church School, Story Hour,

and all other Children/Youth Programs) 

 

1.   At least one adult should be in every room at all times.

 

2.   All classrooms should have door windows and should be easily visible to the hallway.

 

3.   Volunteers in one room should not be from the same immediate family.  This is for your own protection.

 

4.   Teachers need to be aware of the location of other teachers who would be available for help.

 

6.   An Abuse Awareness Training Session will be provided yearly

 

7.   Sometime early in the program, students and teachers will be given an explanation of procedures (geared to all age groups).  This will be done with students and teachers present so both groups are aware of procedures.

 

8.   Anyone not following the rules stated must be reported to the Committee.

 

9.   Bathroom Procedure:

    A.  No volunteers may enter the bathroom with the children unless the hall monitor is  present.

    B.  Children age 3 through grade 2, the helper assigned to that class will remain in the hallway while the child escorts himself to and from the bathroom.  Parents of children that require assistance should be encouraged to help their child use the bathroom before and after the program.

    C.  When assisting a “pre-schooler”, stand outside and leave door open a crack while child is using a restroom.  Adjustments to clothing can be done in the hallway.

 

10.  Teachers and/or volunteers should not take children to any other part of the church.

 

11.  Volunteers and staff should not physically restrain child in their care. 

 

12.   Leaders should ask for assistance if a child behaves in such a manner that seems to require restraint.  If restraint is needed, the child’s parent will be notified immediately and the child removed from the class until the parent arrives.

 

13.  All volunteers must read and sign the code of ethics and volunteer sign off form yearly

 

         ***  We recognize the need to build a trusting relationship with a student.  However, to protect the adult and the student, one on one interaction is discouraged when done in isolation.  If necessary, let another adult know where you are, with whom, and the time frame.


 

Hall Monitor Procedures

 

 

To ensure the safety of our children and members, the hall monitor will do the following and indicate completion on a checklist located in the designated area:

 

1.   Check, at 5 minutes before the service, whether all nursery attendants are present. If not,  the monitor must contact one of the parents and ask them to      

help out.

 

2.   Patrol the church a minimum of 3 times during the service, when there activities involving children, going on (this includes the nursery).  Two times if no children activities are on-going.

 

3.   The first round shall take place between 10 and 15 minutes after the start of the service. 

 

4.   Identify his/her self to the volunteers in the nursery and church school during the first patrol;  “Hi, I am ………, your hall monitor for today.  Can I be of assistance with anything?”

 

5.   At this time the rear entrance doors must be locked.  All late persons must use the front entrance.

 

6.   All bathrooms must be checked.  Knock on the door, and request permission for entry,  before checking the opposite sex bathroom or handicap bathroom.

 

7.   Check every room and hall area for strangers and/or suspicious behavior.

 

 If persons enter the open side entrance during the service, the monitor shall check this out and provide assistance if required. 


 

G.E.M.S. & Cadets Procedures

 

 

1.   All Counselors and helpers must attend a Training and Information Meeting on Abuse Prevention and Response.

 

2.   Head Counselors are to be hall and bathroom monitors during meetings.  Counselors need to have an increased awareness of where their charges are at all times.

 

3.   Any special outings will require written parental consent with the child’s names, date, time, and purpose.  The Head Counselor may initiate a follow-up call or visit.

 

4.   In the interest of the safety of your children, at the end of the evening, drivers ordinarily will be required to physically enter the church building to pick up children at the door of the church.  Counselors will ensure that the children remain inside the church until their transportation arrives.   For children who walk , other arrangements will be made between the counselor and the parents.

 

5.   Anyone not following the rules stated must be reported to both the Head Counselor and Committee.

 

6.   Anyone who has concerns about the safety, welfare, or health of children being cared for at Grace Church should notify the department head or a member of the Committee.

 

***   We recognize the need to build a trusting relationship with a student.  However, to protect the adult and the student, one on one interaction is discouraged when done in isolation.  If necessary, let another adult know where you are, with whom, and the time frame.


 

Frog & Youth Group Procedures

 

 

There is an obvious need to build a trusting relationship with the youth. However, taking the youth alone for a quiet chat creates an environment vulnerable to allegations of abuse.  Therefore, to protect the adult and the youth, one on one interaction is discouraged when done in isolation.  If necessary, let another adult know where you are, with whom, and the time frame.

 

Any volunteer, who has concerns about the safety, welfare, or health of a young person, should notify the department head or a member of the Committee.

 

A minimum of 2 adults shall be present for every youth program/function.

 

1.  Youth Group leaders could sponsor a class about abuse related topics for the members of the Youth Group.  Topics might include date violence, biblical guidelines for dating, relationships, and awareness of signs of abuse, a teenager’s response to a teenage victim or abuser and abuse prevention or keeping your church safe.

 

2.   Youth group leaders may meet privately with a youth group member only once or twice and thereafter only with the permission of the parent or guardian.  Any such meeting ought to be in a public place such as a coffee shop.   If issues are serious or long term, counseling should be advised.  The pastor or youth elder ought to be kept informed.

 

3.   Regardless of the relative ages, it is never appropriate for a youth group leader and a youth group member to date each other.

 

4.   In the context of group activities, the youth group leaders should provide supervision of the youth in their care. Youth group leaders should not hold youth groups function without appropriate supervision.  Specific guidelines ought to be developed by the youth group leader to define what is meant by appropriate supervision.  Youth group functions should not be under the supervision of only one youth group leader. 

 

5.   While the appropriate display of affection is often part of conveying support and encouragement to one another, such displays can be misinterpreted.  Therefore displays of affection between the youth leader and youth group member ought to be limited such actions as a brief hug, an arm around the shoulder, an open hand pat on the back, a and clasp or handshake or a light touch to the arm.  Restrict these displays to a public area.  A youth group leader’s or member’s right to refuse such a display of affection will be respected.

 

6.   No gifts, personal phone calls or personal letters should be exchanged between a group member and leader.  (Personal means going beyond the role boundaries of group leader). It is up to the adult to set boundaries for group and private situations and to enforce them.

 

Vacation Bible School Procedures

 

1.  All VBS leaders and helpers will participate in a learning seminar on "Child Protection   Procedures". VBS leaders (adults) will be thoroughly acquainted with the church's abuse  prevention policy.

 

2.    All VBS classes and activities will be conducted by at least two unrelated volunteers or staff, at least one of whom is an adult. Volunteers/staff should not meet alone with a child without another adult or leader nearby to observe.

 

3.    Volunteers and staff should not physically restrain a child in their care. VBS leaders should ask for assistance if a child behaves in a manner that seems to require restraint. If the leader   determines that restraint is needed, the child's parent will be notified immediately and the child removed from the class until the parent arrives.

 

4.    Most VBS children will not require washroom assistance; if, however, a child does require such assistance, the child's parents need to inform the VBS staff and give them signed permission to help.  A child needing assistance will be aided by adult female volunteers.  These leaders may assist the child if the volunteer cannot leave her class unattended.

 

5.    Due to the community nature of this program and the increased risk of allegations of abuse, it is recommended that all VBS activities take place on the church premises. In the event that church members use their homes/yards for neighborhood VBS clubs, a child's parent must give consent for the child to meet in the home/yard. Two unrelated volunteers (at least one adult) must conduct in-home programs. Children attending in-home programs must be able to             use washroom facilities without assistance. Children attending in-home programs should be able to walk to the home. If transportation is needed, parental permission should be granted.

 

6.   AII VBS volunteers will be required to sign a form indicating that they are aware of the guidelines and will abide by them. This is to be done annually.

 

 

 


 

Friendship Procedures

 

 

The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee recommends the following guidelines for use in a connection with all Friendship Groups.

 

Friendship Ministries Procedures:

 

  1. One person is assigned to be the Elevator Attendant.  Once these duties are accomplished he/she will need to ensure that doors are locked.

 

  1. If a friend and volunteer meet alone in a classroom, the door needs to have a window; otherwise the door is to be left open.

 

  1. When friends need assistance to the bathroom or need assistance with medical devices, caregivers should provide this assistance.  If no caregiver is present the volunteer may assist with bathroom needs same gender assisting same gender.

 

  1. Physical affection initiated by a volunteer should be limited to side-to-side hugs, pats on the back or forearm, touching the back of the hand or gently squeezing the hand.  Both the friend and volunteer can say no to physical affection and refrain from displays of affection.  If a friend is unable to verbalize “no”, notice carefully their body language and facial expression that may indicate discomfort with physical affection.

 

  1. When transporting a friend to and from the event, it is suggested to carry a cell phone in case of medical emergency, accident or injury, vehicle breakdown, weather related problems, and to keep people informed of drop offs and pick ups.

 

  1. If volunteers collect sensitive information about a friend, they should store the information in a private and/or confidential manner.  If possible, information should be stored in a locked cabinet. 

 

  1. If a friend has a criminal record they are not to be left alone with another friend at any time and in any circumstances.  Volunteers are to be made aware of this.

 

 

 

 


 

Procedures for Teachers Assisting Victims of Abuse

 

 

1.      When you notice or suspect abuse and/or when the child first comes to you, be sure to take the child seriously.  Don't deny the problem, but stay calm and listen to the child.  Give emotional support by reminding the child that they are not at fault for what an older person has done and that the child was right in telling you about the problem.  Do not promise the child you will not tell anyone.  The teacher/leader should not investigate! Only such questions that pertain to the safety of the child should be asked (e.g. – Would you like me to call your parents?)

 

2.      Immediately report such a case to the Chatham-Kent Police Services and/or the Children’s Aid Society, your department head or staff person and a member of the Committee. 

 

Be informed of laws and responsibilities or reporting abuse.

 

3.   At all times, keep the information confidential.  If your department head or staff person is unavailable, contact the Pastor or Committee yourself.

 

4.   Within 24 hours, an assessment of the information will be made by the proper authority.  Appropriate action should be taken within the same time period.  Any delay could pose further risk to the victim.

 

         **Do not engage in any therapy 

         (Options:  Sexual Assault Crisis Center; Family Services Kent;

         Chatham-Kent Children’s Services; or a Christian Counseling Service; etc.)

 

 


 

Child Abuse Indicators

 

 

What to Look For:

(These are not always indicative of child abuse, but may be warning signals)

 

-              Burn marks on the body.

-              Bruises and blisters on arms, legs, back, face or buttocks.

-              Child tells you someone is or has been hurting him or her.

-              Repeated rubbing and scratching of private area.

-              The child has to go to the bathroom frequently and urgently.

-              Child is very edgy; sudden noises or movements cause him/her to flinch.

-              Soiled and stained clothes worn regularly to class.

-              A distinct and sudden change in personality.

-              Seemingly unwarranted fear of certain people.

-              Regressive behavior, such as resuming bed-wetting or thumb sucking.

-       Fear of being left alone in a particular room or place, or being with a certain person or persons (all men, for instance), of new or unknown situations, and or normal physical contact.

-       Sleep disturbances, such as fear of going to sleep at night, wanting to sleep with parents, nightmares, sleepwalking, and sleeplessness.

-              Physical problems: children may begin to complain of frequent headaches, stomach pains, or other bodily pains.  Abused children harbor a fear that their bodies have been damaged by abuse.  Their fears are well founded.  Bladder infections, pain in the vaginal or anal areas, and venereal disease are also indications of abuse.  Further indications are unexplained injuries and self-mutilation.

-       Angry reactions; such as, extreme irritability, increased fighting with siblings, physical abusiveness with peers, younger children, or animals, and rebellious behavior such as lying, stealing, or skipping school.

-       A shift toward complete compliance and perfectionist behavior.  A child may believe that if they do everything right, the abuse might stop.

-       Poor personal hygiene:  A child may feel dirty because of the abuse, and his/her behavior will reflect that feeling.  The child may also be ashamed of his/her own nakedness and may try to make himself/herself deliberately unattractive.

-       Inappropriate sexual behaviors; such as, showing affection in a sexual way, acting in an age-inappropriate or seductive manner (clothes, makeup, mannerisms), engaging in excessive masturbation, and initiating sexual activity with other children that imitates adult sex play.

-       Changes in relationships with peers, such as alienation and self-imposed isolation from former friends.

-       Changes in eating habits, such as changes in appetite, which are usually stress related, and excessive weight gain or loss, which adolescents use to mask their emerging sexuality.

-       Depression or suicidal feelings, evidenced by a child's extreme withdrawal or isolation accompanied by a lack of energy to engage in usual activities, and comments that suggest wanting to do himself/herself damage (which must be taken very seriously).

 

         Take note of the following activities and interactions that are inappropriate abusive, and traumatic for children or teens:

 

1.         Being ridiculed or teased about your body.

2.         Being told all you are good for is sex.

3.         Being kissed in a lingering or intimate way by an authority figure.

4.         Having any unwanted touching of a private part of your body in the "Apron-Zone".

5.         Being forced to hear about adults having sex.

6.         Being exposed to sexual name-calling.

7.         Lack of privacy in the bathroom or changing rooms, or being watched at inappropriate times.

8.         Unwanted grabbing or fondling of any part of another person's body.

9.         Being smarter, more mature, or in a position of authority over another person and attempting to talk them into doing something sexual with you, or in your presence.

10.       Taking advantage of a younger child's curiosity about bodies.

11.       Tempting or bribing someone into doing something sexual so they can get something they want or need.

12.       Being sexual with someone who wants to stop.

13.       Believing the above mentioned acts are appropriate as long as the person doesn't say no or attempts to stop you.

 

***  The way you know if you are being sexually abusive with someone is to look at the situation.  Be morally conscious of your motives as well as your action or words.


 

Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church

in North America

 

 

IV. THE ADMONITION AND DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH

 

 

A.  General Provisions

 

Article 78

The purpose of admonition and discipline is to restore those who err to faithful obedience to God and full fellowship with the congregation, to maintain the holiness of the church, and thus to uphold God’s honor.

 

Article 79

a.       The members of the church are accountable to one another in their doctrine and life and have the responsibility to encourage and admonish one another in love.

b.      The consistory shall instruct and remind the members of the church of their responsibility and foster a spirit of love and openness within the fellowship so that erring members may be led to repentance and reconciliation.

 

Article 80

The consistory shall exercise the authority which Christ has given to his church regarding sins of a public nature or those brought to its attention according to the rule of Matthew 18: 15-17.

 

 

B.      The Admonition and Discipline of Members

 

Article 81

a.       Members who have sinned in life or doctrine shall be faithfully disciplined by the consistory and, if they persist in their sin, shall be excluded from membership in the church of Christ.

b.      Members by baptism who have been excluded from membership in the church and who later repent of their sin shall be received again into its fellowship upon public profession of faith.

c.       Confessing members who have been excluded from membership in the church shall be received again into its fellowship upon repentance of their sin.

d.      The consistory shall inform the congregation and encourage its involvement in both the exclusion from and the readmission to membership.

-- Cf. Supplement, Articles 78-81

 

 

C.     the Admonition and Discipline of Office bearers

 

Article 82

All office bearers, in addition to being subject to general discipline, are subject to special discipline, which consists of suspension and deposition from office.

 

Article 83

Special discipline shall be applied to office bearers if they violate the Form of subscription, are guilty of neglect or abuse of office, or in any way seriously deviate from sound doctrine and godly conduct.

 

Article 84

Persons who have been suspended or deposed from office may be reinstated if they give sufficient evidence of repentance and if the church judges that they are able to serve effectively.

-- Cf. Supplement, Articles 78-84

-- Cf. Supplement, Articles 82-84

-- Cf. Supplement, Article 84

 

 

 


 

Church Order Supplements

 

 

SUPPLEMENT, ARTICLES 78-81

 

  1. Discipline shall be applied by the consistory only after an adequate investigation has been made and the member has had ample opportunity to present his/her case.

  2. A person who persistently rejects the admonition of the consistory shall be suspended from the privileges of communicant membership.[1]

  3. A person may be excluded from membership only after the consistory has secured the approval of classis.

  4. The role of the Classis in giving approval is:

    1. To judge whether proper procedure has been followed.

    2. To assure that adequate pastoral care has been extended to the person.

    3. To determine that the consistory has advanced adequate reasons for proceeding with discipline.

  5. The approval of classis does not obligate a consistory to exclude a person from membership since repentance and restoration to the full fellowship of the church are always possible.

  6. The liturgical forms and announcements for admonition and discipline may be used if the consistory judges that these will further the purposes of discipline and will serve the welfare of the congregation.

(Acts of Synod 1991, p. 718)

 

Note:  See Acts of Synod 1991, pp. 720-23, for revised announcements and forms for exclusion from membership and for readmission.

 

 

SUPPLEMENT, ARTICLES 78-84

 

Guidelines for Confidentiality

 

Synod affirmed the necessity for strict confidentiality on the part of councils and consistories in all matters relating to admonition and discipline by recommending the following guidelines to the churches:

  1. Every church should state its membership commitments very clearly, including the expectation that all members are to participate in and be subject to the admonition and discipline of the church.

  2. Office bearers should scrupulously observe confidentiality with respect to persons who come under their counsel and discipline.

  3. Careful and confidential records should be kept whenever a discipline case reaches the level of action by the elders and/or announcements are made to the congregation.

  4. Special care should be observed in the wording of public announcements.  The sin of the person should not be mentioned, but only that he/she is unrepentant.

  5. Established policies with respect to procedures and public announcements should be consistently followed by the elders of the church.

(Acts of Synod 1991, pp. 723, 769)

 

 

SUPPLEMENT, ARTICLES 82-84

 

The Admonition and Discipline of Office bearers

 

  1. General discipline shall not be applied to an office bearer unless he/she has first been suspended from office.

  2. The appropriate assembly shall determine whether, in a given instance, deposition from office shall take place immediately, without previous suspension.

  3. Suspension/deposition of elders, deacons, and evangelists

1.      The suspension or deposition of an elder, deacon, or evangelist shall be imposed by the council with the concurring judgment of the council of the nearest church in the same classis.

2.      If the neighboring council fails to concur in the position of the council of the elder, deacon, or evangelist involved, the latter council shall either alter its original judgment or present the case to classis.

  1. Suspension/deposition of ministers

1.      The suspension of a minister of the Word shall be imposed by the council of his church with the concurring judgment of the council of the nearest church in the same classis.

2.      If the neighboring council fails to concur in the position of the council of the minister involved, the latter council shall either alter its original judgment or present the case to classis.

3.      The deposition of a minister shall not be effected without the approval of classis together with the concurring advice of the synodical deputies.

  1. Ministers subject to two councils

1.      A minister of the Word whose membership resides with a congregation other than his calling church is subject to the admonition and discipline of the councils of both churches.  Either council may initiate disciplinary action, but neither shall act without conferring with the other.

2.      If the councils disagree, the case shall be submitted to the classis of the calling church for disposition.

  1. The lifting of suspension is the prerogative of the assembly which imposed suspension.

  2. The council of the church which deposed the minister shall declare the deposed minister eligible to receive a call upon the affirmative judgment of the classis which approved the deposition, together with the concurrence of the synodical deputies.  Upon acceptance of a call, the previously deposed minister shall be re-ordained.

 

(Acts of Synod 1991, pp. 719-20)

 

Note:  Councils and classes should take note of the regulations regarding suspension and/or deposition from ministerial office adopted by Synod 1998 (see Acts of Synod 1998, pp. 396-399)

 

 

SUPPLEMENT, ARTICLE 84

 

When reinstatement is requested by a former office bearer who confessed to or was determined to be guilty of sexual misconduct leading up to suspension and deposition from office:

 

  1. Reinstatement to office shall be denied to individuals who:

 

    1. Confessed to or are determined to be guilty of sexual misconduct against a minor.

    2. Confessed to or are determined to be guilty of sexual misconduct against more than one victim in a single church or community.

    3. Confessed to or are determined to be guilty of sexual misconduct in more than one community or church.

    4. Confessed to or are determined to be guilty of sexual misconduct and other related ungodly conduct.

 

  1. Councils and classes shall not reinstate an office bearer suspended or deposed for sexual misconduct or ungodly conduct not covered in items 1, a-d without receiving the advice of legal counsel concerning the church’s liability and the advice of a Christian licensed psychologist concerning the likelihood of an office bearer’s re-offending.

 

Note:  In Church Order Article 84 and its Supplement, the expression sexual misconduct is defined as the sexual exploitation of a parishioner, minor or adult, regardless of age or consent, for the purposes of sexual gratification and maintaining control over the person.  The expression determined abuser is defined as an office bearer who either confesses to or is adjudicated to be guilty of sexual misconduct by a court of competent jurisdiction or ecclesiastical assembly.

(Acts of Synod 2004, pp. 611-12)

 


 

Safe in Grace Response Policy

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 

 

1.0       Opening Statement and Definitions

 

            1.1       General Purpose of Policy and Interpretation of Scripture

 

            1.2       Definitions of Victims

 

 

2.0       Receiving Complaints of Abuse

 

            2.1       Who Can Make an Allegation of Abuse

 

            2.2       Allegations Involving Children or Young Persons

 

            2.3       Allegations Involving Vulnerable Persons

 

            2.4       Making a Complaint/Statement to Church Council

 

 

3.0       Council’s Response to Allegations of Abuse

 

            3.1       Duties of Church Council Members

 

            3.2       Duties of the Executive Council or its Delegate

 

            3.3       Creating an Advisory Panel to Conduct an Investigation

 

           

4.0       Responding to Allegations of Abuse

 

            4.1       Responding to Victims of Abuse

 

            4.2       Responding to Offenders

 

            4.3       Responding to the Congregation


 

1.0       OPENING STATEMENT AND DEFINITIONS:

 

            1.1       General Purpose and Interpretation of Scripture.

 

                        1.1.1    Grace Christian Reformed Church may need to deal with abuse in one or more of many forms.  There may arise reasonable grounds                                             to believe or to suspect that one of the children in the church  community is being abused.  There may come a disclosure from a                                      member who experienced sexual abuse in childhood or is experiencing some form of abuse at present.  There may be an                                       adult member who is victimizing adults, children, young persons,  or vulnerable persons.  Our church may have to face an allegation  against a church leader.  The procedures for dealing with abuse will vary depending on the specific situation.

 

                        1.1.2    The purpose of this policy is to address alleged abuse of a vulnerable person or a person under sixteen years of age while                                       participating in an activity of Grace Christian Reformed Church.

 

                        1.1.3    While we recognize the principles of Matthew18:15-17 as sound and true, we acknowledge our own imperfections and limitations.                                         For these reasons church council recognizes that in applying these principles that a face-to-face meeting between the accused and the accuser may not be immediately advisable.

 

Matthew 18:15-17:  A Brother Who Sins Against You

 15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'[b] 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.  (New International Version).

 

            1.2       DEFNITIONS:

 

                        1.2.1    Adult:  “Adult” means a person who is neither a young person nor a child.  (Martin’s Criminal Code, 2006)

 

                        1.2.2    Young Person:  “Young Person” means a person who is or, in the  absence of evidence to the contrary appears to be twelve years old                                           or older, but less than eighteen years old.  (Martin’s Criminal Code, 2006)

 

                        1.2.3    Child:  “Child” means a person who is or, in the absence of  evidence to the contrary, appears to be less than twelve years old.                                             (Martin’s Criminal Code, 2006)

                        1.2.4    Vulnerable Person:  “Vulnerable Person” is or may be in need of assistance by reason of physical limitation, mental disability,                                           learning disability, age, or illness.

 

 

2.0       RECEIVING COMPLAINTS OF ABUSE.

 

            2.1       Who Can Make an Allegation of Abuse?

 

                        2.1.1    Any person can make a complaint within the context of this policy.

 

                        2.1.2    Anyone receiving information which alleges or leads to a belief or suspicion of abuse will notify the pastor or other member of the                                      Grace Christian Reformed Church council executive and/or it’s  delegate.

 

                        2.1.3    An allegation against the pastor or other member of council executive and/or it’s delegate will be subject to notifying a non-                                         involved remaining member of the executive; thereafter, as need be to any elder.

 

            2.2       Allegations Involving Children or Young Persons.

 

                        2.2.1    Where the alleged victim is presently a child 16 years or younger, or an adult coming forward with an allegation of abuse that took                                         place during the victim’s childhood or adolescence, the church leader receiving the complaint will immediately call Chatham-                                         Kent Children's Services, Children’s Aid Society at 519-352-0440 (24 hour service).   Notification of CAS in the case of a child 16                                          years or younger is legally required under Canadian Law

 

                        2.2.2    Alleged child victims will not be interviewed or otherwise spoken to without the proper permission of the CAS and/or Police.

 

            2.3       Allegations Involving Vulnerable Persons.

 

                        2.3.1    Where the alleged victim is a vulnerable person, the church leader receiving the complaint will immediately call that person's                                                           guardian, file worker, family member, or the Police.

 

                        2.3.2    Alleged vulnerable person victims would not be interviewed or otherwise spoken to without the proper permission of the Police,                                       family member, file worker, or guardian.

 

           

 

            2.4       Making a Complaint/Statement to Church Council

 

                        2.4.1    Council executive and/or a delegate committee will immediately solicit a clear statement from the complainant or adult victim as                                      may apply.  Where this is not possible, notes will be taken.  It is  essential that there exist from the onset a clean unbroken record.

 

                        2.4.2    A complainant may be assisted by a support person of his or her own choosing.  As an additional option, the complainant may                                                request a council executive and/or it’s delegate to identify to her or him a suitable support person to assist in making the complaint.  In                                     either case, the support person may not be a serving member of the church council and need not be a member of Grace Christian                                        Reformed Church.

 

 

3.0       COUNCIL’S RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE:

 

            3.1       The church council will decide which of the procedures to follow when allegations of abuse are made against a church leader.  The church council                            will decide at the onset whether or not any suspension without prejudice and with or without pay as may apply should take place.  The age of the                                     victim, nature of the allegation, policy principles and provisions will be considered.  The following three, not necessarily mutually exclusive,                           procedures are available.

           

                        3.1.1    Executive council and/or it’s delegate will meet separately with both the alleged victim and alleged offender to discuss the                                                           alleged abuse incident, or

 

                        3.1.2    follow the Judicial Code as outlined in the Church Order Supplement, Article 30-C, to determine if the matter                                                      requires formal adjudication, or

 

                        3.1.3    Formal hearing described in Church Order Supplement 30-C  when written charges requiring formal adjudication are filed.  The                                            Church Order Supplement, Article 30-c, Judicial Code or Rights  and Procedures, of the Christian Reformed Church in North                                          America.         

 

            3.2       The executive, after consulting with one another (none of those consulting may be implicated by the victim) and reviewing all                                              circumstances, shall, as soon as possible:

 

                       

 

                        3.2.1    Where the alleged victim is an adult, young person, child,  vulnerable person, or a person making a complaint on their behalf                                              about victimization as a child, and the complaint is against a church leader; consider requesting the attendance of an Advisory                                          panel from Classis Chatham Safe Team, or appoint and Advisory Panel of its own choosing.

 

                        3.2.2    Where the alleged victim is an adult, young person, child, vulnerable person, or a person making a complaint on their behalf                                              making a complaint about victimization as a child and the complaint is against any other congregant, including employees                                            and volunteers; appoint an Advisory Panel of its own choosing.

 

                        3.2.3    Where the alleged victim is an adult or vulnerable person making a complaint about victimization as an adult or a vulnerable person                                         against any other member of the congregant, including it’s employees and volunteers; appoint an Advisory Panel of its own                                                choosing.

           

                        3.2.4    In 4.1.1, 4.1.2, and 4.1.3, the Synodical Abuse Guidelines, Acts of Synod 1997, article 65 and all parts pertaining to it, shall guide the                                             church council and the panel and constitute a part of this policy.

 

            3.3       Creating an Advisory Panel to Conduct an Investigation

 

                        3.3.1    A panel appointed by council executive and/or it’s delegate may consist of five to seven people for the actual hearing process.  It                                                 should include at least one council member (non-implicated), at least one woman, at least one man other than council member, at                                           least one person knowledgeable in the dynamics and treatment of abuse, and one person suitable from outside the congregation to                                                serve as chairperson.

           

                        3.3.2    Ideally, legal counsel will be retained to advise both church council and the panel.

 

                        3.3.3    The role of the advisory panel is to evaluate the gravity of the allegations and the probable veracity of them as quickly as                                                             possible.  A summary of its findings is to be put in written form for all panel members to sign.  The written report may contain specific recommendations for pastoral care and/or discipline.  The chairperson of the panel shall submit the written report to the church council executive and/or it’s delegate.

 

                       

 

                        3.3.4    The insurer of Grace Christian Reformed Church shall be advised of all allegations as soon as possible after a complaint is received                                       and secondly, immediately upon the intention to appoint a panel, in order to ensure liability coverage for said panel.

 

                        3.3.5    The executive shall issue a copy of the Abuse Prevention and Response Policy to any advisory panel it appoints.

 

                        3.3.6    Confidentiality is of the utmost importance.  All those who disclose and or receive information relating to allegations should                                                 use extensive precaution to ensure that the allegations and all surrounding circumstances are not shared with any entities or                                              individuals other than those expressly described under this policy and the guidelines or as required by law.  Accuracy is essential.

 

                        3.3.7    No person may serve in any capacity within the contract and framework of this policy nor shall a member of church council                                             participate in any deliberations where a conflict of interest exists.

 

 

4.0       RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE:

 

            4.1       Responding to Victims of Abuse.

 

                        4.1.1    Since the church has a primary pastoral responsibility to the victim, council will offer them and where appropriate their                                                         family, support and counseling, at the church’s expense if need be,  to deal with their experience of victimization.

                        4.1.2    Victims who are young persons, children, or vulnerable persons  shall at all times be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or an                                           adult support person of their own choosing.

 

                        4.1.3    Victims or their guardians will be referred to resources that will help them be able to identify all of their options that are available                                       to them for dealing with the abuse, including the process outlined by this policy, accessing the Criminal Justice system, and the                                          option to take legal action for damages.  Where police or court attendance is required, a victim will whenever possible and                                                     desired, be accompanied by their guardian should they be a minor, and one or two members of the congregation for moral support.

 

                        4.1.4    Where appropriate and desired one regular contact person  acceptable to the victim or victims and not otherwise directly                                         involved in the particular matter at hand, may be appointed by  council executive and/or it’s delegate to facilitate effective                                        communication in respect to relevant requests and requirement.    The primary objective is to provide effective social support as

                                         care giver and communicator, by means of regular victim contact and visits.

 

            4.2       Responding to Offenders.

 

                        4.2.1    Pastoral care will continue to be given to any alleged offender by a caregiver to be appointed by the executive and not involved in any                                        process under this policy, and its guidelines independent from the victim.  *Such a caregiver should understand that no privileges                                       apply and he or she is a competent witness in law and may be called upon to testify in criminal or civil proceedings. It is                                                      

                        acknowledged that the competence and compellability of a witness to give evidence in a court of law may change with changes in the

law.

 

 

                        4.2.2    When it is determined that a church leader, or any other church  worker or any congregant has offended, church council will                                                decide on any restorative discipline actions that may be appropriate  and the successful completion of any rehabilitative treatment                                           council would expect, before eligibility of reinstatement would be  considered.

 

            4.3       Responding to the Congregation.

 

                        4.3.1    The congregation as a whole may need special pastoral care when  abuse has occurred. The Classis Chatham Safe Team should be                                                consulted and requested to provide an appropriate level of advice or actual assistance in this regard, ensuring that its representatives                                       are different from those serving in the same matter as its advisory panel, should a panel have originated form Classis Chatham.

 

                        4.3.2    Where Classis Chatham is unable to respond or has not been requested to respond, church council will draw on its own list of                                            suitable resources to assist the congregation in any steps needed in the healing process.

 

                        4.3.3    The congregation needs to recognize that an allegation of abuse will take time to address properly, and responsibly.  Even                                                though it is accepted that there will emerge a strong desire to know details, only the most general of justified information will be made                                        available as may be necessary and appropriate, while these policy procedures are in progress.  Prayer, patience, avoiding premature                                              judgments and rumors and caring understanding are encouraged.

 


 

[1] “The privileges of communicant membership” include but are not limited to participation in the sacraments, the right to vote at congregational meetings, and eligibility to hold office.

(Acts of Synod 1991, p. 718)