What is considered harassment in the church? How to Understand and Stop Harassment in Ministry

Harassment in a church can be especially harmful since it can hurt the safety, trust, and spiritual health of the people who go there. Pastors, volunteers, and administrators need to know what harassment is, how to spot it, and how to stop it and deal with accusations in the best way possible. This complete book explains what harassment is in churches, looks at the laws and regulations that apply, lists the best ways to stop it and deal with complaints, and shows how Church Law and Strategy helps churches keep their ministries free of harassment.

What Does Harassment Mean in a Church Setting?

Harassment is behavior based on protected traits that makes the environment unfriendly, scary, or objectionable. There are several ways that people can be harassed in churches:

• Sexual harassment: is when someone makes unwanted sexual approaches, asks for sexual favors, or does something else sexual in a verbal or physical way.
• Verbal harassment: is when you say bad things, slurs, or insults about someone because of their race, gender, age, religion, or other protected group.
• Physical harassment: is when someone touches you without your permission, attacks you, or threatens you.
• Visual harassment: showing pictures or other things that are inappropriate.
• Retaliation: punishing someone who discloses harassment.

Church leaders can spot and deal with harassment before it happens if they know these forms.

Laws and Protections

Laws in the United States and in Each State

Churches have to follow federal regulations like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which says that people can't be harassed at work because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Many states have further protections and rules on reporting.

Things to Think About for Churches

The rule gives churches some religious exemptions, but they are not allowed to harass people. Making policies that balance religious freedom with legal duties is not easy.

How to Tell if You're Being Harassed

Church leaders should be on the lookout for signals like:

• Complaints or reports from church members or volunteers
• Changes in how people act or show up
• Gossip or fighting among ministry teams
• Church activities that take place in hostile or difficult places

Recognizing problems early allows for quick action.

Creating and Putting into Action Policies Against Harassment

Policies That Are Clear and Written

Churches should have clear rules against harassment that:

• Explain what harassment is and what behaviors are not allowed.
• Write out how to report things.
• Explain how investigations work.
• Don't let retribution happen.

Talking and Learning

Regular training for staff and volunteers makes sure that they know and follow the rules. Policies should be easy to understand and talk about.

Dealing with Complaints of Harassment

Keeping Things Private

Keep things private during investigations to protect everyone involved.

Investigations That Are Fair and Complete

Look into all complaints right away and without bias, and make sure to write down what you uncover.

Doing the Right Thing

Depending on what is found, actions can range from counseling to taking someone out of ministry roles.

Stopping Revenge

To get more people to report, protect people who complain and witnesses from retaliation.

Strategies for Training and Prevention

Dedication to Leadership

Church leaders need to set a good example by being polite and following the rules all the time.

Workshops and Seminars on a Regular Basis

Train staff and volunteers on a regular basis to be mindful of harassment.

Safe Ways to Report

Give them more than one avenue to report their concerns without anybody else knowing.

Helping Victims and Getting the Ministry's Health Back on Track

Help people who are affected by offering pastoral care, counseling referrals, and assistance while striving to rebuild trust and community health.

How Church Law and Strategy Help Churches

Church Law and Strategy gives you:

• Writing and reviewing policies to make sure they follow the law
• Programs that teach people how to stop harassment
• Legal advice for dealing with complaints and lowering risks
• Access to expert resources and support from a network

Questions That Are Often Asked

Can volunteers sue a church for harassment?

Yes. Churches can be sued, so they should have ways to protect themselves.

What if the person being accused is a pastor or elder?

Churches need to follow the same rules for everyone and get legal advice when things get tricky.

How long should accusations about harassment be kept?

Legal rules say that records should be kept safe for a number of years.

In Conclusion

Harassment hurts the work and mission of churches. Churches can create safe and inviting spaces for everyone by knowing what harassment is, making firm rules, training their staff, and responding in the right way. Church Law and Strategy is ready to help churches deal with these problems by giving them legal advice and practical help.

Disclaimer: This blog article is simply meant to give you information and is not meant to be legal advice. If you need assistance that is specific to your church or group, talk to a lawyer.

Links Inside

• Learn about Church HR and following the law when it comes to hiring.
• Find out about the Child Safety Policy for Church Ministry Legal.
• Take a look at our Church Legal Audit and Compliance Report.

Links to Other Sites

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Harassment Information: https://www.eeoc.gov/harassment
• Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) Child Protection Policies: https://www.ecfa.org/Content/ChildProtection
• National Council of Nonprofits Volunteer Screening Best Practices: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/background-checks-and-volunteer-screening