Covenant Between Forest Hills Baptist Church and Individuals Accused of Sexual Child Abuse
 
Overview
Forest Hills Baptist Church, as a congregation of Christian believers, is open to all who seek to follow Jesus Christ. We seek to provide a place of refuge and worship by providing a safe place. As such, this covenant defines the limitations and boundaries of individuals accused of or desiring of child sexual abuse.
 
Scope
For the purposes of this covenant, individuals covered by this covenant include any adult over the age of 17 that has been convicted of child sexual abuse, has admitted to child sexual abuse, or where after an accusation, and an investigation there is a reasonable belief that the individual did commit child sexual abuse. Additionally this covenant will apply to any individual who confesses to desiring inappropriate contact with minors, even when that desire has not been acted upon.
 
The congregation holds these guidelines as a minimum standard under which the individual will have access to this Christian fellowship. Any question in the interpretation and enforcement of this covenant will be at the discretion of the accountability group.
This covenant shall not conflict with any legal orders against the individual or the Church. In matters of conflict, the most restrictive requirements will apply.
  
Definitions
Accountability Group: The accountability group consists of 5-7 individuals, selected by the senior pastor whose primary responsibility will be to assist the accused in complying with the terms of this covenant.
Pastor: Within the context of this covenant, and except where expressly defined, Pastor refers to any and all individuals serving in a pastoral role at Forest Hills Baptist Church.  
Church event: Church event includes any activity that is organized by Forest Hills Baptist Church, sponsored by Forest Hills Baptist Church, hosted by Forest Hills Baptist Church, and includes any subgroup of Forest Hills such as a Sunday School Class, mission activity, or fellowship. The location and purpose of the event is irrelevant to the requirements.
 
Church Position on Behaviors and Consequences
Abusive behavior is a choice and we hold you responsible for that behavior. By your participation in this covenant, there is a part of you that desires a better life and healthier relationships. We are an ally as you gravitate towards change, but we will continue to hold accountable the part of you that resists change and hurts others. We care enough about all people who desire access to this Christian fellowship to establish these guidelines for your access so that everyone may reasonably expect freedom from direct and indirect danger. 
Responsibilities of the Accused
 
Behaviors
  1. Due to the nature of your abusive behavior and what this Church has come to know about the healing of perpetrators of such abuse, you shall participate in a professional counseling program that specifically addresses these behaviors. This counseling shall not be an expense of Forest Hills. We strongly encourage you to commit to a life long professional counseling program for you and your family.
  2. You will comply fully with all restrictions and requirements placed upon you as a result of any legal actions. Any violation of these legal conditions shall be considered a violation of this covenant and may be cause for a complete re-evaluation of the covenant and your access to Forest Hills Baptist Church.
  3. You are required to notify the pastor of any legal actions, judgments, conditions of parole, or other restrictions placed upon you as soon as you are aware of these actions.
  4. You will decline all invitations of hospitality where there are minor children in the home. Additionally, you will not extend invitations of hospitality to families that include minors.
  5. You will notify the pastor immediately of any allegations concerning improper behavior on your part.
  6. You agree that certain individuals will be advised of your circumstances as a matter of practice. This will enable them to protect you and the children in their care. This notification will include the pastoral staff, your accountability group, and others with a specific need to know as determined by the pastor or the leader of your accountability group.
  7. You agree to cooperate with any inquiry by the pastor or the accountability group into alleged misconduct.
  8. You agree that should you decide to relocate your membership, or to substantially attend another congregation, the senior pastor of Forest Hills will, as part of his Christian, ethical, and moral duty, seek to inform the leadership of the congregation of factual details regarding this covenant.
  9. No less than once a year, and otherwise as requested by the pastor or the accountability group you shall meet with and report on your status in counseling, compliance with this covenant, and your commitment to the healing and rehabilitation process.
 
Facility Access
  1. While on the property of Forest Hills Baptist Church, or participating in any Forest Hills program offsite, a member of your accountability group must escort you. You will agree to pre-arrange meeting points and follow any additional access requirements placed on you by the accountability group.
  2. You may personally participate in this Christian fellowship as it worships in the sanctuary and in the study of God's word in adult Sunday School. We encourage your participation in other forms of adult focused worship, but require you to coordinate these activities with the accountability group. 
  3. You shall avoid areas of the facility designated as children's areas. This includes the library, the children's wing, youth annex, and the front of the sanctuary.
  4. You shall not enter restroom facilities except with your escort.
  5. During worship and other congregational meetings you shall sit with a member of your accountability group or someone designated by the accountability group. 
Role within the Church
  1. You will not accept any leadership or representational position within or on behalf of FHBC. You agree not to serve in any elected or appointed position or as a wor-ship leader. If there is any question concerning the appropriateness of your partic-ipation, you shall seek pre-approval from the leader of your accountability group. 
  2. You will not accept any position that involves working with minors in any capacity (including outside of Forest Hills), nor will you ever allow yourself to be alone with minors.
  3. You shall not take any position representing Forest Hills or the Baptist faith outside of this congregation.
 
Responsibilities of the Accountability Group
 
The accountability group serves as aids and guides to the accused. The accountability group is the primary contact between the accused and the congregation and will continually lift up the accused in prayer. The accountability group will consist of five to seven people who are not related to the accused, of the same approximate age and consist of at least one member of the opposite sex. One member of the accountability group will serve as its leader. The members agree to:
 
  1. As members of the accountability group, we will stand by you and your family as you accept and experience the consequences of your behavior. We will serve as a source of support and pastoral care as you face these consequences.
  2. We agree to acquaint ourselves with any therapeutic program that the accused participates in. 
  3. We agree to meet with the accused, family members, probation officers, counselors, etc.to review status and application of this covenant. Our focus in this discussion is to support rehabilitation and ensure clear understanding of this covenant as it seeks to protect minors and reduce the possibility of false allegations or suspicions.
Responsibilities of the Pastor
 
As the pastoral contact for this covenant, I agree to the following:
  1. Provide spiritual guidance to the accused
  2. Provide guidance to the accountability group and answer questions of application
  3. Monitor compliance with the terms of the covenant.
  4. Immediately take action to protect the congregation and individuals should the terms of this covenant be broken. Actions may include notification to the congregation, individuals, or community; banishment from church property; or referral to law enforcement.
 
Monitoring, Interpretation, and Enforcement
The leader of the accountability group has the primary responsibility to monitor and interpret compliance with this covenant. For actions of enforcement the leader of the accountability group will seek counsel from the pastor and the other members of the accountability group.
 
In situations of imminent danger, the pastor is authorized to act without consultation, but shall seek to inform the accountability group, and if appropriate the Deacon leadership team as soon as possible.
 
In the event of an adverse action, Forest Hills will follow the response as defined in the crisis management plan. 
 Approvals and Agreements   
 
Accused
I have read this covenant and agree with the objective and requirements. I have discussed this covenant with the pastor and my accountability group and will abide by the restrictions herein as well as any additional directions that may be given.
 
 
 
Name___________________________ Date_____________  
 
 
Accountability Group
As members of the accountability group, we have agreed to assist the accused in their Christian worship. We have reviewed the terms of this covenant, and discussed it with the accused and the pastor. We will assist the accused in their spiritual life with protecting individuals, the congregation, and the community. If at any time we become aware of an issue we will immediately notify our group leader and the pastor. If we are unable to discharge our duties under this covenant we will immediately notify the pastor.
 
 
Name _________________________ Date___________________
 
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Minister
 
I have reviewed the terms of this covenant and discussed it with the accused and the accountability group. I will seek to guide Name in their spiritual life while protecting individuals, the congregation, and the community.
 
 
 
Name ______________________ Date ______________________
 
 
Senior Pastor
 
I am in agreement with this covenant.
 
 
 Name _________________________ Date ___________________