As a critical mass of harassment complaints has begun to topple the big and powerful, we have ripple effects at UCM with questions about our provision for reporting and sanctioning sexual and other types ofharassment.
As Unitarian Universalists, we commit to treat each other with respect and dignity; we need to examine our own individual behaviour and interactions to ensure that what we say and what we do are squarely consistent with our Seven Principles. For example, when invited to “wave, shake hands, or hug”, have you overtly asked if a hug is welcome before hugging? When offering a compliment, have you examined your own expression for potential impact? Are you aware of social cues pertaining to personal space – like the other person stepping back to create more distance? Do you spontaneously touch others without expressly ensuring that your outreach is welcome? Do you feel empowered to decline physical contact or assert discomfort with a comment?
All who work with the “Vulnerable Sector” in our congregation, including – but not limited to – children, youth, and the elderly and/or infirm, are required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Police Background Check and participate in “Safe Steps” training to learn how to relate appropriately and how to report those at risk of abuse. Read more.
To protect our employees, there are measures to report harassment to the Board designate with various options for investigation and resolution. The Board has the ability to impose a continuum of sanctions on an offender, including exclusion from membership.
All members of UCM can expect to be free from harassment in all of their interactions under the church’s auspices. This policy provides definitions of harassment and details the processes for addressing complaints.
As a Welcoming Congregation, our work to foster acceptance, inclusion, understanding, and equity for all has been recognized and celebrated. Let us continue to live our beliefs, individually and corporately, every day.
