POLICY:
EASTERN SYNOD of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
POLICY AND GUIDELINES RELATING TO HARASSMENT OF CLERGY, EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEER LEADERS AND CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERS
We confess that all persons are created in the image of God and are valued as individuals. It is the policy of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada to maintain a work environment and working relationships based on mutual respect and freedom from harass- ment. The Synod recommends this policy to its congregations and agencies. In this environ- ment, congregational members and employees shall not tolerate any form of harassment and have a responsibility to ensure that their behaviour is not contrary to this policy. Complaints of harassment are to be taken seriously and dealt with in a spirit of compassion and justice.
The pastor and council members are responsible for discouraging employment related harass- ment and ensuring that congregational members are aware of their responsibilities to prevent harassment.
SCOPE:
This policy applies to members and persons involved in church related activities and includes all incidents of harassment which adversely affect congregational working relationships whether they occur in or outside of church related activities. It covers the harassment of clergy, clergy family, church employees, volunteer leaders and members.
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