Relationships among people lie at the foundation of Christian community and are central to the life of the church. In the Baptismal Covenant, we promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being. Everyone who ministers in the Diocese of Pittsburgh – whether lay or ordained, volunteer or paid – is entrusted with the care of God’s people and is responsible for preserving that trust.
This duty of care and respect is particularly critical in our ministry to those whose age, health or circumstances place them at risk for exploitation or mistreatment. Abuse of children and youth and of vulnerable adults in congregations, institutions, agencies, or programs of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is wrong and will not be tolerated.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has adopted two policy documents that together address this topic comprehensively:
The Safe Church Resources page provides links to resources that can help congregations and organizations as they implement these policies. Look there for detailed guidance on obtaining public records checks (“clearances”) and completing “Safe Church, Safe Communities” training, as well as for sample forms that can be adopted or adapted for use by parishes and organizations.
Title IV Intake Officers
Allegations of clergy misconduct can be made to an Intake Officer in the diocese where the alleged misconduct occurred. In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Intake Officers are:
The Rev. Catherine Munz, 724-799-9929, link2cat@mac.com
The Rev. Canon Jim Shoucair, 412-364-2442, rector@christchurchpgh.org
The Intake Officers are trained members of the diocesan disciplinary system who will compassionately and confidentially receive your report.
For more information on Title IV and the process that addresses clergy misconduct, see The Episcopal Church’s Title IV Website.