Dear Fellow Labors in the Gospel:

Clergy sexual misconduct is a serious problem in church life. While ministers live and serve with great integrity, some engage in the irresponsible exploitation of members who are in need of their spiritual guidance. The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC) is not exempt from this mistrust and are receiving more and more calls from churches concerning ministerial sexual misconduct. Ministerial sexual misconduct occurs when a person in the ministerial role engages in sexual contact, threats, or sexual behavior with a congregant, employee, minor, staff member, co-worker, or volunteer. The betrayal of trust involved creates ripples of grief and mistrust that do damage far beyond the specific situation. In the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the burden of responsibility for monitoring church staff falls directly on the local congregation. Congregations should conduct background checks on prospective ministers and staff to ensure appropriate supervision of all staff (paid and volunteers). If there is a complaint of sexual misconduct or inappropriate acts with a minor or adult, the church must act immediately to investigate and intervene properly and responsibly. Congregations need to develop policies which are clear and include definitions of terms and standards of conduct. Every church should have a clear policy concerning reporting of misconduct and assuring tha