Resolution MW 003

Resolved, that the Executive Council, meeting February 9-12, 2023 in San Francisco, CA, authorize the forming of an Executive Council Committee to develop prayers and liturgies of healing transformation for those who were sexually abused, or have been traumatized by misuse of power, in Episcopal Churches and Institutions (schools, camps, conference centers, service organizations, etc.). The Executive Council Committee will consist of at least six members, three clergy (including at least one bishop), and three lay persons with at least one member overlapping with the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music. 

Resolved, that the Executive Council authorize this as a Committee to develop resources and training to support clergy and lay leaders to provide skilled and appropriate pastoral care to those who have experienced sexual abuse, including appropriate resources to support the families of these individuals. 

Resolved that these healing prayers and liturgies, once authorized, as well as pastoral support resources be made available throughout the Episcopal Church, in English, Spanish, Creole, and French to make these materials electronically available at no cost no later than the first Sunday of Advent in 2025. 

Resolved, That the committee report and make initial recommendations to Executive Council by the end of 2023.  

Resolved, That the Executive Council consider a budget allocation sufficient for a one-time in person meeting of this taskforce and for the implementation of this resolution. 

 

The process of framing this resolution, rose out of some of the points contained in the Blue Book report from the Task force on Women, Truth, and Reconciliation. Many adults and senior adults were “sinned against” (sexually abused) in their childhood or youth by representatives of institutions associated with The Episcopal Church (TEC) such as boarding schools, overnight camps, church choirs, day schools, day camps, conference centers and youth groups before and after Safeguarding, as we practice it in the church today, was established. Many of these children and youth, as well as their parents, were shunned and shamed by representatives of Episcopal institutions when they spoke up about being sexually abused by clergy, staff, volunteers, and/or older children/youth. Many adults and senior adults, who left TEC because they were sexually exploited as children and/or youth, and those who experience abuse within the church currently, need pastoral care.  Many baptized into TEC as infants and children are alienated from their church homes yet are facing life’s challenges and death without the benefit of Episcopal pastoral outreach and care.  

The BCP and EOW have liturgies and prayers for those who have sinned against or abused others, which range from prayers of confession and affirmations of forgiveness to penitential liturgies.  These key resources in TEC, however, do not include prayers and liturgies for those who have been sinned against.     

In addition, TEC has not reached out to these people in a coordinated, consistent way.  Unfortunately, when efforts have been made, some attempts have exacerbated the trauma and reinforced alienation from the church. Steps needed: identify Episcopal institutions that have done any work to reach out to this population and assess what worked and what did not as we move toward discerning  and establishing best practices; identify any other communities of faith that have effective psycho-spiritual ministries for adults and senior adults who were sexually abused as children and youth in church settings; from this information, create both a Tool Kit and follow-up training for clergy, staff and lay leaders of Episcopal institutions to minister to those adults, seniors, and their families. This resolution addresses the Gospel imperative to respect the dignity of all, and is one step in ensuring a healthier and safer church.