Summary
The Articles of Orthodox Reform consists of policies and procedures, accountability, and ecclesiastical reform to overcome sexual misconduct, establish healing, and restore trust in the Church.
Preamble
We believe the Orthodox clergy are called to be holy and beyond reproach. We believe our Bishops are called to be more interdependent and less autocratic. We believe the Faithful are called to respect and be faithful to our Church Canons and Holy Tradition. Openness and dialog build trust; secrecy and apathy destroy the bonds of unity that hold us together.
Given the magnitude of sexual misconduct issues within the church, its mishandling by certain Hierarchs in multiple jurisdictions, and the destructive effect these abuses of power have upon the Church, we hereby call upon laity and clergy alike to mobilize in support of change.
Our earnest prayer is that the fruit of our efforts will be restored faith in the church, an energized laity that can support our Hierarchs in good conscience, and healing for those who have been wounded by those in positions of trust.
To this end, we hereby propose these ten “Articles of Orthodox Reform.”
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[Editor’s note: the following is only a first draft summary of the proposed articles; a future draft will provide in depth explanations of each article.]
Article I: Zero Tolerance
The Orthodox hierarchy must have zero tolerance for any type of clergy sexual misconduct. (Details)
Article II: Education
We will educate both laity and clergy about how we, as the Church, can prevent abuse and help victims to heal from their wounds. (Details)
Article III: Recurring Diligence
We will conduct recurring background checks, ongoing spiritual formation, and continuing education to ensure the purity of our priests and other church workers.
Article IV: Safe Environment Programs
We will establish safe environment programs at parishes and other church sponsored institutions.
Article V: Due Process
We advocate procedures that allow for safe, fair, and compassionate investigation of sexual misconduct, with due process for both victims and clergy.
The proposed “Uniform Sexual Misconduct Procedure” for due process will consist of the following steps:
- Preliminary Investigation
- Protective Measures (Suspension pending investigation)
- Full Investigation
- Discipline & Spiritual Courts
- Disclosure
- Subsequent Investigations & Disclosures
- Healing Process
- Ongoing Responsibility
Article VI: Full Disclosure
We advocate full disclosure of clergy sex crimes and cover-ups along with a comprehensive “registry” web site with assignment histories, locations, and status of all clergy.
Article VII: Measurable Accountability
We advocate measurable accountability of Bishops and priests; those found to be protecting priests who engage in improper relationships will themselves be disciplined.
Article VIII: Acknowledgment
We advocate public acknowledgment of mistakes made so they are not repeated, including an offer by the appropriate Bishop to meet individually with victims to apologize.
Article IX: Outreach
The hierarchy must offering tangible, pastoral outreach to victims and their family, including paying for professional counseling — even if the victim is suing the diocese.
Article X: Ecclesiastical Reform
We advocate ongoing spiritual formation of clergy, improvements to cross-jurisdictional administration, and a return to early Orthodox practices for developing and selecting Bishops.
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Conclusion
We cannot hope to address all of the issues of clergy sexual misconduct in this short document. However, if we adopt the articles set forth above, we will have made a good beginning to restoring the trust and participation of the laity which current corruption threatens to destroy.
Orthodox Reform 