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Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Misconduct Allegations Suspended for Three Years

Nearly a year ago, the Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, and the President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Jennings issued a call for the 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 suspend for a period of three years the canon that places a time limit on initiating proceedings in cases of clergy sexual misconduct.  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 Diocese of New York, the Rev. Canon Nora Smith is the Intake Officer.  You can reach her at: 1047 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10025, nsmith@dioceseny.org, 212-316-7400.

Complaints alleging misconduct by a bishop should be made to the Intake Officer for the national Episcopal Church.  The Intake Officer contact is:  The Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, 815 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017, 212-716-6000, 800-334-7626.

Intake Officer

The Rev. Canon Nora Smith
Canon for Transition Ministry, Intake Officer

Cell: 917-319-3959
nsmith@dioceseny.org

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A Brief Overview of Title IV Canons on Clergy Discipline
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