|
| |
CLERGY/RELIGIOUS MISCONDUCT POLICY
ZERO TOLERANCE
As an emerging
church, we must be aware of recent events in the United States and other
parts of the world that have made it absolutely necessary for credible faith
communities to publish a policy that is makes it clear for all members of the
community, clergy and faithful alike, that ZERO tolerance is the
only acceptable standard for issues of inappropriate misconduct by the
clergy. This church will NOT allow sex offenders to remain active clergy
or religious sisters or brothers.
We
have adopted, herewith, a working and official policy of The Reformed
Catholic Church regarding sexual misconduct of clergy, religious,
employees, regular volunteers, seminarians, and candidates for ordination and/or
incardination.
Our position on clergy abuse is as follows:
 | Those
who have been convicted of a felony sex crime are not eligible for Holy
Orders.
|
| If it is later determined that a member of
the clergy has in fact been convicted of a felony sex crime, that
clergy person will be automatically removed from the clerical state and
returned to lay status after the Vicar of the Judiciary makes its
recommendation to the Bishop.
|
| The Reformed Catholic Church has adopted a zero
tolerance for any physical misconduct by its clergy and or
any one employed by, or working for, or even volunteering to work for, or
with this Church.
|
| This includes unwanted, inappropriate physical
contact with parishioners, those being counseled, those receiving any
of the Sacraments, and, most especially minors/disabled/geriatric
adults or anyone who may be considered as vulnerable. In
instances where allegations are made and/or an arrest has been made, the
Presiding Bishop shall immediately suspend faculties and privileges as
clergy until an investigation is completed by civil and church authorities.
|
| Inappropriate and unwanted physical activity with
minors/disabled or geriatric or other vulnerable people will be immediately
reported to the appropriate law enforcement entities and investigated by
them. The Reformed Catholic Church will cooperate with civil authorities as
they investigate the allegations. In instances where allegations are made
and/or an arrest has been made, the Presiding Bishop shall immediately
suspend faculties and privileges as clergy until an investigation is
completed by civil and church authorities.
|
| Further, inappropriate and unwanted physical
activity with any individual with whom a clergy person has a
pastoral care relationship of any kind, will result in immediate suspension
of ecclesiastical faculties. This means that faculties and the authority to
celebrate the Sacraments of the Church will be removed immediately
with a referral to treatment if found guilty. If cleared of all charges by
both church and law enforcement entities, all faculties and authorities to
celebrate the Sacraments of the Church will be restored and all records
marked as "cleared." If the clergy person is found and
proven guilty their suspension will become permanent and they will be
deposed from the ministry of the Church.
|
| Every effort must be made by The Reformed
Catholic Church to be fair and balanced in its treatment of those who have
been accused of misconduct, giving them the opportunity to defend themselves
to the judicial vicariate of the church, and to seek assistance in obtaining
professional assistance, to include medical or psychological professionals.
This requirement does not preclude the church's responsibility to inform the
civil authorities of allegations of misconduct. Officials or employees
who do not follow the zero tolerance policy of the church are subject to
immediate dismissal and revocation of their faculties to celebrate the
sacraments of the church.
|
| Those found, after investigation by Church
authorities and law enforcement agencies, to have deliberately and
inaccurately accused one of the clergy for the purposes of obtaining
financial reward in order to punish, humiliate, address or redress issues
will be held responsible for such allegations and accusations in civil
and criminal court. In that unfortunate circumstance, the clergy
are herewith advised to seek personal and public redress for the injury to
their reputations and good standing within the Church. Most of all,
forgiveness and healing MUST BE the guiding light through forgiveness in
these cases and all parties are encouraged to seek counseling and help in
rebuilding their lives.
|
| The Reformed Catholic Church will is committed to
providing pastoral care to those who have been victimized.
|
| Most importantly,
the church will maintain a position of absolute transparency in all matters
of investigation into allegations of abuse/misconduct.
The people of God deserve nothing less.
|
| Report all
violations of this policy to:
The Most Reverend Joshua Alekzandor, OSI DD
Judicial Vicar PO Box 2,
Worthington, OH 43085 – Phone:
866-769-0075
|
This
statement is approved and confirmed for immediate use and distribution within: The
Reformed Catholic Church.
Given under our hand and seal, this 12th day of August, in the year of our
Lord Jesus Christ 2004, from the See of the Reformed Catholic Church,
Columbus
,
Ohio
Notice:
This policy is currently under review by an internal task force and any
changes to this policy will be posted immediately upon approval by the
Archbishop.
++Phillip Zimmerman
The Most Reverend Phillip Zimmerman
Presiding Bishop
| |
Click the picture above to
dedicate a memorial mass
Parish Communities
Prayers
Contact Us
Links
Multimedia
RCC Blog
RCC Video
|
