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  Churches Taking Care to Avoid Sexual Abuse

By R.j. Cooper
The News-Press
February 20, 2010

http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2010/feb/20/churches-taking-care-avoid-sexual-abuse/?local

Local churches have a surprising ally in the fight against sexual abuse — insurance companies.

New Life Bible Church and Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church each face a lawsuit in Buchanan County Circuit Court alleging, among other things, that both entities were intentionally negligent in supervising church authorities and children. Those pending lawsuits serve as a continuing reminder for congregations to remain ever vigilant in the fight against sexual abuse.

Steven Bolt is an agent in Independence, Mo., for GuideOne Insurance, one of the nation’s leaders in insuring churches. Companies like GuideOne aid in that fight by not limiting their input and services to roofs and walls.

“That’s the job of an agent, to help guide the church through some risk-management programs,” Mr. Bolt said.

They advise churches to do things like add more outside lighting around their buildings, put windows in all classroom and office doors, and lock closets, furnace rooms and utility spaces.

Mr. Bolt’s biggest recommendation is for what he calls “two-deep leadership.” That means at least two adults at every nursery, Sunday school class, church bus and youth group outing, and Mr. Bolt encourages more than two adults to be present when possible.

“I totally understand the issues of working with youth and the dangers that can be there,” said Mr. Bolt, who also is an ordained minister. “It can destroy congregations, not only financially, but spiritually.”

The First Lutheran Church at 10th and Charles streets has had programs in place to prevent sexual abuse ever since Rev. Roger Lenander arrived there in 1996. But the church leadership still re-examines and revises its policies and programs every couple of years. In light of the recent lawsuits, Mr. Lenander said he anticipates that subject coming up again at the monthly meeting, in order to once again determine whether there are any gaps in the church’s policies and programs.

Right now, First Lutheran performs background checks in all 50 states for anyone applying for a leadership position. Someone also must be an active member for six months before becoming eligible to work with youth.

“It’s important to remain vigilant,” Mr. Lenander said. “Insurance companies were an unexpected resource, wanting to really educate how to make it a safe place for people.”

Agents like Mr. Bolt also advise churches how to act when allegations of abuse surface. He tells pastors to immediately report the accusations to the proper authorities, then keep the situation low key and minimize gossip and rumor so as not to affect the subsequent investigation.

Local personal injury attorney Chad Gaddie said churches can minimize many liability issues with common-sense actions like background checks and constant supervision of adults working with children.

“When somebody sends their child to a church, they expect a certain level of supervision to take place. That’s the standard of care,” he said. “If you turn a blind eye to that and you allow those individuals to have free reign, then you could be held responsible.”

R.J. Cooper can be reached at rjcooper@npgco.com

 
 

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