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Chapter 2: Trained Advocated and Sexual Ethics Authority

A trained advocate is one who actively assists and supports a victim of church professional misconduct/sexual abuse through the denominational complaint process. If for any reason a person finds it difficult to report his or her concerns to a District Superintendent or the Bishop, the person may contact a trained advocate, who is available to assist with the process.

Trained advocates are listed with their contact information in each volume of the Journal of the Missouri Conference following each Annual Conference Session or at www.moumethodist.org.

A companion clergy advocate is a clergyperson who actively assists and supports one who is accused of sexual misconduct/abuse through the denomination complaint process as discussed in paragraphs 362.b and 2701.3 in The 2004 Book of Discipline.

Companion clergy advocates are listed with their contact information in each volume of the Journal of the Missouri Conference following each Annual Conference Session or at www.moumethodist.org.

The Sexual Ethics Authority, formerly known as the Sexual Misconduct Task Force, is responsible for the instruction of all advocates and for assisting in the reviewing and revising of the Sexual Misconduct Policy. The Sexual Ethics Authority shall be comprised of a district superintendent, a current trained advocate and two members designated by the Board of Ordained Ministry. (The group will monitor for cultural, racial, ethnic and gender balance.) The names of the current members of the Sexual Ethics Authority are listed on the Conference web site, www.moumethodist.org.

Members of the Sexual Ethics Authority

Sue Watson
June DeWeese

(other members to be named later)