Sexual Harassment Policy Review and Implementation of Specific Training Programs
Resolved, that the Diocese of Southern Ohio recognizes that societal changes through the use of social media have brought increased attention to the devastating acts of sexual harassment in a variety of contexts including the workplace, church, and society, and be it further
Resolved, that the Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio create a representative task force to: (1) evaluate current sexual harassment policy contained within the Safe Church Training program for effectiveness and (2) develop specific training and listening programs on sexual harassment to raise awareness and encourage appropriate behaviors, and be it further
Resolved, that at a minimum a report regarding compliance with this resolution is presented at the 144th Diocesan Convention.
Explanation
Now is the time to speak up for social change. Sexual harassment is not about sex; it is about power and the exploitation of a power differential. 2 In our Baptismal covenant, we are called to “renounce evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God.” (BCP, 302). The church has been called to “persevere in resisting evil, strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being” (BCP, 304). Sexual harassment uses power and privilege to objectify human relationships which perpetuate injustice. 3 It continues to be pervasive in society particularly in the workplace. The church, as the “pillar and ground of truth” is called to carry out its mission of reconciliation and “the proclamation of the Gospel by promoting justice, peace, and love” (BCP, 855). As part of the Evangelism component of the Jesus Movement, the church can taking a leading role in preventing sexual harassment and bringing healing and justice for victims by modeling behaviors that exemplify the teachings of Christ.
Impact on Budget
$500 for the meeting and administrative costs of the Task Force
Presented By:
The Rt. Rev. Bavi Edna “Nedi” Rivera, Assisting Bishop, Diocese of Southern Ohio
The Very Rev. Gail E. Greenwell, Christ Church Cathedral
The Rev. Canon Manoj M. Zacharia, Christ Church Cathedral
The Rev. Noel Julnes-Dehner, Christ Church Cathedral
The Rev. Sallie Schisler, Christ Church, Ironton
The Rev. Sandra Kidd, Christ Church, Ironton
The Rev. Lee Anne Reat, St. John’s Columbus
The Rev. Irene Miller Radcliff, St. Philip, Columbus
Rhonda Yeager, All Saints, Portsmouth
Nancy Schwartz, St. Timothy’s, Anderson
Anne Housholder, Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park
Deb Hagerty, Christ Church, Ironton
Patricia Carey, Christ Church Cathedral
Kathy Mank, Diocesan Women’s Ministries Coordinator
Notes:
- “Thoughts on “Me, too” and the communion of saints”, The Rev. Anna B. Olson, Episcopal Church Foundation blog, Oct. 24, 2017 and The Click Moment: How The Weinstein Scandal Unleashed a Tsunami, The New York Times, Nov 5, 2017, Jessica Bennett
- It’s Time to Speak Up about Sexual Harassment in the Workplace”, Editorial, Investment News, Oct. 28, 2017
- Message from the Bishop, Oct. 31, 2017, The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio
Scholarly Sociological Articles Reviewed:
- Sexual Harassment in Organizational Context, Work and Occupations, Volume 35, Number 3, August 2008 – Lindsey Joyce Chamberlain, The Ohio State University, Martha Crowley, North Carolina State University, Daniel Tope, Florida State University, Randy Hodson, The Ohio State University
- Power, Status, and Abuse At Work: General and Sexual Harassment Compared – The Sociological Quarterly 50 (2009), Steven H. Lopez, Randy Hodson and Vincent J. Roscigno, Ohio State University
Men, Masculinity, and Manhood Acts, Annual Reviews, Sociol. 2009, Douglas Schrock, Florida State University and Michael Schwalbe, North Carolina State University