Clergy Misconduct

[Gregory Matthews]

We live in a time when clergy of all denominations, including SDA clergy, face accusations of misconduct involving children. I am aware of a number of such accusations involving SDA and other clergy. I thought it might be well to discuss this situation as it applies to North America. I cannot speak for the rest of the world.

 

Insurance: Most SDA institutions are covered by an insurance company that is wholly owned by the General Conference,and only insures SDA interests. Some SDA institutions are covered by Chubb Insurance Company due to the fact that it provides some tort coverage that is not provided by the General Conference company.

 

My position: I may advise the local pastor when I am concerned, but I do not take that concern to the Conference. I can not fill that role.

 

Physical safety: Society has established liability for children endangered by the activities around them. Such are generally common sense. All too often local congregations are not given enforced guidance on this point.

 

Alleged Abusers & Attendance at /services: North American policy requires the following two requirements in order to attend services.

 

* The person must be closely supervised at all times in order to attend services. The problem is that the supervisor may not be p[properly trained and therefore fail to properly supervpse.

 

* The supervised person must agree that interested persons can be fully informed as to the nature of the charges. I do not believe that such always happens.

 

Investigation: SDA organizations may be required to investigate accusations.. This nay involve criminal investigation. I have taught this subject to hundreds of military chaplains. Clergy have a very limited immunity from reporting, which is often misunderstood . I am personally aware of clergy who were convicted in criminal court for not reporting.

 

Conduct that cannot be charged criminally can be investigated by outside agencies,for a fee. SDA organizarions do make use of such companies.

 

I am personally aware of SDA organiztions spending thousands of dollars to fully invesigate such conduct.