January 21, 2019

Dear Colleague in Ministry –

I write today to formally notify you of a change in policy regarding Sexual Ethics training. It is imperative that you make note of this change, as it has clear impact on your ability to continue in your ministry setting and receive compensation in the Central Texas Conference. The change was voted upon and affirmed unanimously at our Board of Ordained Ministry meeting on October 3, 2013.

The United Methodist Church is committed to eliminating clergy sexual misconduct of all kinds. Maintaining the highest ethical and moral standards is our sacred trust. To this end, if any appointed clergy person should fail to stay current with their sexual harassment prevention training administered by the Lewis Center (to be completed every four years), that clergy person will be recommended by the Board of Ordained Ministry to the Cabinet for placement on involuntary leave. For those appointed to extension ministries whose employers have their own policies and procedures, you must still complete and be current with the Lewis center on-line training or face being placed on involuntary leave. For those who are not ordained clergy serving in appointments and assigned positions of leadership (licensed local pastors, lay supply pastors), the recommendation will be that you be removed from the position you are serving. It is of the utmost importance that you complete and stay current with this training.

We have made it easy for everyone to fit this training into their schedule. Keeping Our Sacred Trust is online training (a new, refreshed version will be available November 1, 2013) for preventing clergy sexual misconduct. It is made available by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary. The course keeps track of your progress. You can start, stop and re-start the course as needed. Keeping Our Sacred Trustcreates awareness of what constitutes misconduct and how issues of misconduct typically arise; the relational dynamics, internal motivations, and vulnerabilities that can lead to misconduct; and the positive steps that can be taken to prevent misconduct and even the appearance of misconduct. The goal is to help course participants develop a strong and reliable “internal compass” that will help them to steer a safe course even in confusing or difficult situations.

Every clergy under Episcopal appointment in the Central Texas Conference is already required to take this course online and complete it every four years. As of January 1, 2014, we will recommend any clergyperson who is not in compliance be moved to involuntary leave.

As a courtesy, Susan Craig from the Conference Office will send you notice of your deadline when it is approximately one month away. Your first step will be to contact Susan to make arrangements to take the course. You cannot access the course directly! You will be instructed in how to make payment and register. It is your responsibility to keep track of your deadline and to follow the instructions. Please do not put this off! If you are concerned about when your next deadline will be, either check your certificate from the previous training, or contact your District Administrator.

If you have questions, please contact the BOM office at 682-235-1037.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jim Conner

Chair, Board of Ordained Ministry

cc: Bishop Michael Lowry; Cabinet Members