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A Place of Hospitality
The United Methodist Church seeks to create an environment of hospitality for all persons, male or female, which is free from misconduct of a sexual nature and encourages respect, equality, and kinship in Christ.
“Sexual harassment is a barrier to hospitality. This alienating, sinful behavior causes brokenness in relationships - the opposite of God’s intention for us in human community. . . . Jesus’ ministry reminds us amid this brokenness that we can experience whole relationships with one another and with God. And thus we are called to be stewards of God’s community of hospitality where there is not only an absence of harassment, but also the presence of welcome, respect, and equality.” (The Book of Resolutions 2004, No. 37)
Misconduct of a sexual natureinhibits the full and joyful participation of all in the community of God. Sexual misconduct in church and ministry settings impedes the mission of Jesus Christ. Ministerial leaders have the responsibility not only to avoid actions and words which hurt others, but also to protect the vulnerable against actions or words which cause harm.
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