This is a reprint of the Arkansas Presbytery's stated clerk's column, "A Polity Point" by Rev. Cathy Ulrich which regularly appears in the presbytery's newsletter, "The Banner." A Synod of the Sun resource related to this topic is called "For the Safety of Our Children and Youth," through which churches can sign up for reasonably-priced background checks.

The picture hangs in homes and churches across the country: beaming children gathered around a seated Jesus. His words, “For such is the kingdom of heaven” are equally familiar. The picture and the words remind us of God's intention that we protect and nurture children.

In 2004 our denomination made it the responsibility of all ordained officers (elders, deacons, and ministers of word and sacrament) to report to ecclesiastical and civil legal authorities knowledge of harm, related to the physical abuse, neglect, and/or sexual molestation or abuse of a minor or an adult who lacks mental capacity. [G-6.0204b; G-6.0304b; G-6.0401b]

In Arkansas, clergy are "mandated reporters." This means that clergy are required by law to report the neglect or abuse of a child. Our denomination took the bold step of including all officers in the circle of those who care for and act on behalf of not only children, but also those who are not able to defend themselves.

This courageous action also gives rise to some questions:

Who are the "ecclesiastical and legal authorities" to whom this knowledge is to be reported?

How does an officer of the church report this knowledge?

What are the situations that need reporting?

What prompted the church to take this action?

It is admirable for our constitution to define this responsibility for its officers. But it does not answer any of the questions above.

When our Book of Order does not answer these questions, it ordinarily falls to the governing body to make adjustments to its bylaws or manual of operations. Each session, presbytery and synod needs time to talk about the proper authorities to whom these reports need to be made, what process this will take and how this information will be handled.

It is fortunate that we are in this together. The difficulty of these situations often leads to silence. There is a tendency to ignore this subject and therefore abuse and neglect are allowed to continue. In order to help us better understand our "duty to report," some of these questions will be addressed Oct. 8 in a pre-presbytery workshop led by Rev. Rebecca Spooner, Director of the Laurence Schmidt Center, and Stated Clerk Rev. Cathy Ulrich, Westminster Presbyterian, Hot Springs, AR.

Let us work together for the care and nurture of all God's people.

Blessings and peace,

Cathy Ulrich
Stated Clerk of Arkansas Presbytery

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