Is sexual misconduct an issue of concern in The United Methodist Church?
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women reports some interesting responses to sexual ethics questions asked of clergy attending a boundaries training session. For example, 41% of the respondents said they personally know someone who reports being the victim of sexual misconduct by a ministerial leader, and 44% know a clergyperson (including, perhaps, themselves) who has had sexual relations with a member of his/her congregation (other than their spouses).
More than a third of those answering the questionnaire (35 percent) said it is morally OK for a single pastor to date one of his/her parishioners.
The sample of people surveyed do not statistically represent the church as a whole, but the responses offer some insight into attitudes toward sexual misconduct and how it is defined.
You can read the complete “Women by the Numbers” article on theGCSRW website.
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