May

9

OCA Discusses Rules Governing Sexual Misconduct Investigations

May 9, 2008 |

OCA addresses Alaska crisisMinutes of the OCA Spring Metropolitan Council Meeting (March 31 to April 2, 2008 included discussions on sexual misconduct policies and procedures. These clarifications contradicted earlier opinions floated by some hierarchs that only “Bishops should investigate Bishops” (source). The idea of forming an advisory board to “assist the Office and Church leadership in addressing allegations of sexual abuse” was also discussed.

An excerpt from the meeting:

Fr. Michael Matsko stated that, in addressing the situation in Alaska, there is a difference between procedural norms and canonical process. Procedural norms governing allegations of abuse are outlined in the document “Policies, Standards, and Procedures of the Orthodox Church in America on Sexual Misconduct,” approved by the Holy Synod in April 2003.

Included in this document is the directive that such allegations be investigated by a team of authorized and qualified individuals. This procedural norm would be in effect for an allegation against someone in any of the clerical ranks.

Canonical process regarding a hierarch would come into effect only when and if it was deemed necessary to take disciplinary action against him; this canonical process, though, does not preclude an investigation by qualified professionals, clergy or lay. The OCA’s abuse policies, which were prepared and published by the Holy Synod, are in agreement with the spirit of our canonical tradition. Noncompliance with our established policies and procedures addressing allegations of abuse could have implications on insurance and other issues.

Discussion on the OCA’s sexual abuse policies also addressed the OCA’s Office for the Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations. Council members were in agreement that it would be beneficial to have an advisory board to assist the Office and Church leadership in addressing allegations of sexual abuse in a most appropriate manner; however, it was determined that further work is needed on the proposal before the Metropolitan Council forms such a board. source.

The full minutes of the OCA Metropolitan Council minutes are available here.


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