The following is from the 1998 edition of The Book of Discipline of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Emphasis has been added by the webmaster.
Sexual Harassment Policy of the C.M.E. Church
We believe that the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is part of the body of Christ, and that it must express itself in the world in light of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught us many things both by word and example to be concerned for the welfare and well-being of others, to love our neighbors as ourselves and to be concerned for justice. For the Church to be silent in the face of need, injustice, and exploitation is to deny the Lord of the Church.
In light of our theological perspective, it is the intent of this policy to provide for an experience of grace, justice, and reconciliation for both the aggrieved and the respondent when sexual harassment and/or sexual misconduct is alleged or proven. The minister and those in authority in the Church are in a position of sacred trust. Any such sexual harassment and sexual misconduct is a violation of that sacred trust.
Sexual harassment harms not only the spiritual life of the church, but it also violates the rights of human beings to be free of unwarranted sexual imposition. It refers to behavior that is not welcomed, which is personally offensive, which debilitates morale and interferes with the ministerial or employment relationship. In turning to the minister, persons become vulnerable to the minister and trust that their vulnerability will be respected and not abused. Sexual harassment and sexual misconduct as a matter of Christian principle, is totally unacceptable. Accordingly, sexual harassment and/or sexual misconduct by any person in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is a prohibited form of personal conduct. In light of the painfully traumatic and serious consequences that could result from an actionable offense, the C.M.E. Church shall not condone sexual harassment in any form. It is expected that all persons having supervisory or managerial responsibilities for the governance of the church, its ministry and ministries, shall be prudent in judgment and assure an environment that would eliminate adverse sexual harassment and/or sexual misconduct.
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, in recognition of biblical and moral principles, is committed to maintaining the highest ministerial and professional standards among all ordained and unordained ministers of C.M.E. Church, as well as all church officers, members, staff and anyone who holds an official capacity in the church. It is the intent of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church that all persons uphold these standards and assure the integrity of our church ministry and administration. Any conduct that violates this trust may result in serious consequences.
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