CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY


present in the audience when the information is communicated. To reduce your legal risks, the information must be communi- cated only to active members. As noted in the preceding para- graph, be sure to limit your remarks to factual information and do not express opinions. You may wish to prepare in advance a written statement that is approved by an attorney that is read to the members.


KEY POINT. Every church leader should be familiar with the concept of “qualified privilege.” When sensitive infor- mation needs to be shared, it should be done in a proper setting that only includes church members.


In some cases, it is helpful to obtain a signed confession from an


accused who has been found guilty or who has confessed. If the accused consents to the communication of the confession to church members, then you can quote from the confession in a letter that is sent to mem- bers of the congregation, or in a membership meeting. Be sure that this consent is in writing. Often congregational members will desire more information. The


board should designate one person to handle questions, and that person should fully understand the concept of qualified privilege and only dis- close information when a common interest has been fully established. Any disclosure should be strictly confidential on a need-to-know basis.


Respond to the media A case of child sexual abuse in a church often results in extensive media coverage. Designate a spokesperson for your congregation, and refer all requests for information to that individual. This person should be knowledgeable about how to respond to the matter in a discrete, informed, and diplomatic way. In some cases, the media will inter- view several church leaders who have never given any consideration to responding to such inquiries. In such cases, conflicting and contra- dictory statements can abound, and the public will develop a negative impression of the church. This is avoided if only one person is desig- nated to speak for the church. Your spokesperson should be able to communicate the church’s con- cern for all victims of child sexual abuse, and that the church takes


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