Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Misconduct Allegations Suspended for Three Years
In January 2018, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop, and the Rev. Gay Jennings, President of the House of Deputies, issued a call for the Episcopal Church to examine its history and come to a fuller understanding of how we have handled or mishandled cases of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse through the years.
After hearing from many lay and ordained people throughout the church, and participating in a liturgy of repentance for past abuses and the failure to address them, the General Convention passed Resolution D034 which suspends for a period of three years the canon that places a time limit on initiating proceedings in cases of clergy sexual misconduct against adults. (There is no time limit on reporting clergy sexual misconduct against children and youth under age 21.)
As a result of this resolution, from January 1, 2019 until December 31, 2021, those who wish to bring a case of sexual misconduct against a member of the clergy will be able to do so, regardless of how long ago the alleged misconduct occurred. Allegations of misconduct can be made to the Intake Officer in the diocese where the alleged misconduct occurred. In the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, the Intake Officer is:
Complaints alleging misconduct by a bishop should be made to the Title IV Intake Officer for the Episcopal Church:
The Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley
Bishop for the Office of Pastoral Development
The Episcopal Church
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
+1-212-716-6000 / +1-800-334-7626