UMC Steps Up Sexual Misconduct Policy to Halt 'Disturbing Trend'
A United Methodist watchdog introduced new resolutions to counter a "disturbing trend" of sexual misconduct in the denomination.
"The use of pornography continues to increase as it becomes more accessible and allows more immediate, realistic and anonymous sexual contact and gratification," stated the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women in a resolution.
The resolution, presented last week at the commission's annual meeting, will be submitted to the United Methodist General Conference – the highest legislative body in the United Methodist Church – when it convenes next year in April for its quadrennial meeting.
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According to the commission, sexual harassment and misconduct, including the use of Internet pornography by clergy, laity or volunteers, often on church-owned computers, remains a concern of the church body. Such harmful and addictive behavior alters relationships and sexual perceptions, and the Church needs to be aware of those dangers, the commission said, according to the United Methodist News Service.
In 1996, the General Conference of the UMC adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the denomination. As a result, each annual (regional) conference and local church has been required to adopt a sexual harassment policy.
The Rev. Gail Murphy-Geiss, a clergywoman who prepared the results of a 2007 local church survey for the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women, said more churches have complied.
"The very smallest churches continue to have the longest way to go toward the goal of 100 percent, but in every other category, at least six out of 10 churches are in compliance, and in the largest churches, that number is almost nine out of 10," she stated.
Despite a "relatively high awareness" of the denominational policy, sexual harassment "remains a significant problem," according to the updated resolution to be considered next year.
The new resolution defines various forms of sexual misconduct and characterizes such behavior as "an exploitation of power."
"The use and abuse of pornography in church programs, on church premises and with church property by persons in ministerial roles (lay and clergy) is a form of sexual misconduct, a chargeable offense for laity and clergy in The United Methodist Church," the resolution states.
The commission has suggested such actions as sexual ethics training at various levels, training on issues of pornography, and strict oversight of church-owned computers and technology.
Also advocating for the full participation of women within the denomination, the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women presented its latest survey findings, revealing that 7 percent of United Methodist pastors are women, up from 5 percent in 2003; 16 of the 63 active United Methodist bishops worldwide are women; and women account for half of all enrolled students seeking ordination in United Methodist seminaries.
