Sexual misconduct of any kind violates a person's integrity and is an unjust use of status and power, and a sinful behavior against God and one another. O ne who repents for sinful behavior is promised forgiveness. However, discipline should be distinguished from forgiveness. A church professional guilty of sexual misconduct needs and may receive forgiveness and be offered avenues for redemption and change. And yet, the church must still take steps to protect the people of God.
Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment and any form of criminal sexual conduct.
B. Sexual Harassment includes unwanted sexual advances or demands, either verbal or physical, and may be demeaning, humiliating, intimidating, or coercive, often resulting from exploitation of power. Sexually oriented humor or language, questions or comments about sexual behavior or preference, unwelcome or undesired physical contact, inappropriate comments about clothing or physical appearance, or repeated requests for social engagements are sexual harassment in a situation where there in an employment, mentor, or colleague relationship between the persons involved. C. Complainant is a person who communicates a concern regarding alleged sexual misconduct. D. Grievant is a person who submits a written allegation of sexual misconduct. A grievant may be a parent or responsible party for a minor or an adult incapable of self-reporting.