Report Sexual Misconduct

Mennonite Church Manitoba is committed to supporting congregations to ensure that they are safe for everyone.

When sexual misconduct occurs the church takes this very seriously. MCM believes that a church leader, regardless of credentials or position, should never enter into sexualized behaviour with a person for whom the leader is responsible or with whom they interact as a part of their professional or volunteer roles. Sexualized behaviour can include inappropriate discussion of sexual matters, sexualized touching, actions or words that communicate sexual interest or add an overt sexual dimension to a relationship, and any breach of sexual ethical standards that govern church leaders. The church leader is always responsible to prevent such behaviour.

Sexual misconduct by church leaders is a topic most people want to avoid. But, unfortunately, the church is not immune, abuse does occur, and the effects can be devastating. It is a topic we need to talk about. Victims deserve to be heard because the harm must be acknowledged, and if ongoing, stopped. If you have experienced sexual misconduct, we extend an invitation that we hope will help you move beyond the pain to a place of restoration and healing.

If you have been a victim of sexual misconduct by a church leader, your story deserves to be heard and you will be treated with dignity, respect, and without judgment. We want to hear about your experiences in a way that will feel safe, respectful, and supportive for you. Our responsibility is to hear your concerns and to ensure that abuse stops and is investigated thoroughly, respecting everyone concerned.

How do I report what happened?

A person who believes that a MCM minister has engaged in ministerial sexual misconduct or other unethical behaviour may inform our MCM Leadership Ministries Directors Karen Schellenberg or Jeff Friesen. If you report misconduct, MCM will offer a contact person acceptable to you to assist you in preparing a complaint and, if you so desire, in selecting an individual to provide personal support to you.

Jeff Friesen, Leadership Ministries Co-director. jfriesen@mennochurch.mb.ca
Karen Schellenberg, Leadership Ministries Co-director. kschellenberg@mennochurch.mb.ca
Phone: 204.896.1616

Other contact options:

Michael Pahl, Executive Minister
Email: mpahl@mennochurch.mb.ca   Phone: 204.896.1616

https://abuseresponseandprevention.ca/

Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba
Abuse Response and Prevention
204.925.1917
arp@mccmb.ca
MCC Resource in PDF:   Understanding Sexual Abuse by a Church Leader Booklet