"Do Not Make Any Statements . . ."
This is the advice given by many insurance companies to clients who are churches or religious organizations when faced with a disclosure of abuse by one of their leaders. Frankly, it is advice that will very likely lead to lawsuits brought by survivors of abuse and to significant settlements paid out by insurers.
"Do not make any statements, orally, in writing or in any manner, to acknowledge, admit to or apologize for anything . . .”
This is the advice given by many insurance companies to clients who are churches or religious organizations when faced with a disclosure of abuse by one of their leaders. Frankly, it is advice that will very likely lead to lawsuits brought by survivors of abuse and to significant settlements paid out by insurers.
Fortunately, the people of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Virginia decided to trust their own hearts and minds and to be faithful to their values. In 2005, they discovered that their youth minister had violated sexual boundaries of students under his care. He resigned. The church was not initially responsive to the victims.
They recently revisited their response and, contrary to the advice of their insurance company, took a different approach. In a letter sent to members, they said:
"Members of Staff and of Session are profoundly sorry that VPC's response after the abuse was discovered was not always helpful to those entrusted to our care." In a subsequent sermon, Pastor Peter James went further, "We won't hide behind lawyers . . . Jesus said the truth will set us free."
I commend this congregation’s actions in support of those who were harmed by the youth minister. They are acting, not from a place of fear and an attempt to avoid liability, but from a place of faith and concern for the wellbeing of their members. They are doing the right thing.
If your faith community becomes aware that one of your leaders has violated boundaries and caused harm to congregants, you have two options: you can deny responsibility and hide behind your lawyers or you can accept responsibility, be open with your people, apologize to and provide for those who have been harmed.
In the first instance, you can expect to be sued by survivors and spend your resources on lawyers. You will increase your risk of landing in court and losing. In the second instance, you lower your risk of being sued, but, more importantly, you are free to respond to the needs of your congregation.
In the first instance, you contradict everything your faith community stands for and further betray the trust of your members. In the second, you maintain your integrity, are consistent with your values, and begin the process of restoring trust with your people.
The first option is a lose-lose proposition; the second is a win-win.
The choice is yours.
Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune
FaithTrust Institute
www.faithtrustinstitute.org
lawyers and insurance companies
Blessings on your ministry.