Classis Abuse Response Team
Report to Classis Hamilton
September, 2003

Dear Classis Delegates,

At the January classis meeting, CART was asked to prepare a draft mandate for classis approval. Because of the late hour of the May classis meeting, we did not receive an opportunity to present this proposed mandate. We are therefore presenting this mandate for approval at this Classis meeting.

CART continues to meet two or three times a year. So far we have not received any calls for assistance. However, Beth Swagman, Director, Office of Abuse Prevention for the CRCNA, stated that we were within inches from being brought in on a panel this past April because another Abuse Response team from another classis didn't have enough members to form a panel. The offender resigned before the panel was convened and the church dropped the request.

On February 27, 2003, the Board of Trustees for the Christian Reformed Church approved three motions presented to it by the office of Abuse Prevention. These will affect each congregation and classis.

First, the Board of Trustees strongly recommends the use of the Advisory Panel as the preferred process for churches to follow when responding to allegations of physical or sexual abuse against a present or former church leader.

The motion was approved with the following grounds:

• the advisory panel process offers trained, independent, objective church members to evaluate the allegations;

• a systematic and fair process needs to be available across the denomination to reduce the risk of liability and complaints of injustices.

The impact of this decision on classes that have not appointed a team: Each classis is asked to form an abuse response team for the purpose of making available the advisory panel process. Classes may join efforts with other classes to form regional teams.

The impact of this decision on each congregation: Each is asked to request the assistance of the advisory panel when allegations of physical or sexual abuse arise against a present or former church leader.

The motion was approved with the following grounds:

• classes should be aware of the potential liability of inadequate response procedures;

• victims and offenders should have procedures available to them to help them;

• response procedures can enhance the movement toward healing and restoration.

The impact of this decision on classis: Each classis that decides against the appointment of an abuse response team should develop and make public an alternative procedure for victims and offenders when allegations of physical or sexual abuse arise against a present or former church leader. The alternative procedure should be noted in the classical minutes.

Third, the BOT decided to recommend to the churches five principles for the development of an abuse prevention policy.

Approximately two-thirds of the congregations do not have a policy or their existing policy may be inadequate in light of the changing knowledge of liability and litigation. The BOT recommends that congregations develop an abuse prevention policy including the following principles:

1. Sexual and physical abuse against a parishioner by a volunteer or church leader will not be tolerated
2. Churches will reduce the risk of sexual and physical abuse in a church building, in a church-sponsored program, or by volunteers and church leaders by implementing abuse prevention policies.
3. Allegations by a minor of sexual or physical abuse by a volunteer or church leader, in a church facility, or in a church-sponsored program will be reported to local police officials or child protection authorities.
4. A volunteer or church leader who confesses or is found guilty of sexual or physical abuse against a minor or adult parishioner will be removed or dismissed from position or office.
5. A volunteer or church leader removed or dismissed from position or office should not be considered for re-entry or reinstatement without the advice of legal counsel.

The motion was approved with the following grounds:

• abuse is a clear violation of God's intentions and applicable community laws;

• such policies conform to Biblical instruction regarding the care of one another;
• removal and dismissal is consistent with existing Church Order Articles 78-84;
• the church is morally obligated to provide reasonable care and so, too, reduce the risk of abuse and liability;
• the legal liability that accompanies reinstatement and re-entry of known offenders compels the church to act prudently.

The impact of this decision on each congregation: Congregations without an abuse prevention policy should begin the process to establish one immediately. The principles mentioned above should be found within each policy. Some churches may need to re-examine their current policy to ensure that these principles are included. The development of such a policy is designed to comply with God's intentions for our interactions with one another and not just to avoid the threat of litigation.

The office of Abuse Prevention is ready to assist churches and classes in the implementation of these decisions. Services that are available to the churches and classes include: training to conduct the Advisory Panel process; training for churches to develop abuse prevention policies; and training to church staff, volunteers, parents, and children on reducing the risk of abuse.

In His Service,

John Gilson, Chairperson
Classis Abuse Response Team
E-mail: classishamilton@bfree.on.ca