Training sessions well attended

"Issues around sexual misconduct are not simple," says Bishop Claude Miller. "Our policies have been developed by legal experts from within our church community. I can't stress enough how important it is for rectors, wardens, youth group leaders, parish and diocesan staff -- all our church leaders -- to attend our training sessions and understand the issue. Each participant receives a certificate.

All forms of sexual abuse and harassment are fundamentally an abuse of power and will not be tolerated under any circumstances."

Participants in the diocesan training sessions have a less idyllic and more realistic view. They still appreciate the fundamental safety of church life, but are sensitive to the opportunities for abuse and aware they do occur. They reviewed a series of case studies that illustrated problems that can arise in pastoral relationships, with youth group leaders, bombastic parishioners and relating to the treatment of parish staff. Some of the offences were obvious, others weren't. In many cases the situations could be resolved with in-parish conversations because the perpetrators only  needed to be made aware that their actions or comments were offensive. Other situations called for formal intervention through diocesan or legal authorities. Participants were given clear direction on all these processes.