Ministerial Misconduct: Information and Resources

The UUMA is deeply committed to nurturing integrity, accountability, justice, faithfulness, and leadership in ministry.  We know that ministerial misconduct violates a sacred trust. This page is intended to provide information about clergy misconduct, about how to file complaints and about how to access resources for support. If you have questions or would prefer to talk to someone about your concerns, you are welcome to reach out to the UUMA’s Director of Ministries and Programs for a conversation.  

What is considered ministerial misconduct?

• Ministerial misconduct is an egregious violation of boundaries that causes harm. 
• For a comprehensive explanation of clergy sexual misconduct, visit the Faith Trust Institute Clergy Abuse FAQ page

How do I report ministerial misconduct?

• If you are a victim/survivor of clergy misconduct and you want to consider filing a complaint, you can do so with the UUA’s Office of Ethics and Safety.
• Members of the UUMA wishing to inquire about or initiate the UUMA’s Accountability procedures may contact the Director of Ministries and Programs who will guide you through the process.

What are the UUMA’s accountability practices?

• The UUMA follows the process for accountability outlined in our Guidelines for the Conduct of Ministry. At this time, our members are considering significant revision of our Guidelines, including to the Accountability Processes. While our Guidelines are under review, we have made two adjustments that are within the purview of the leadership of the Board of Trustees:
  • We are completing intake forms whenever we receiving an inquiry concerning ministerial misconduct so that we can track concerns and patterns, even if people chose not to file a formal complaint.
  • Beginning spring 2019, if a person resigns from the UUMA during the course of an investigation into concerns of ministerial misconduct, we will inform the membership of the UUMA of their resignation while under investigation as a matter of transparency.

What resources are available to UUMA members who experience trauma as a result of ministerial misconduct?

If you are experiencing trauma as a result of misconduct, we encourage you to seek out therapy or counseling as needed.

• If finances are an obstacle for you in accessing therapeutic support, the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline is able to refer you to free or low cost counseling in your area.   You might also contact the Office of Church Staff Finance to inquire whether funds may be made available through the Living Tradition Fund.
• If you would like to talk to someone in UUMA leadership, you are welcome to reach out to:
  • Any member of the UUMA Board of Trustees
  • Any member of the UUMA Executive Leadership Team. 

What resources are available to lay members and congregations impacted by ministerial misconduct?

The UUMA is a professional association for ministers and our programs, services and ministries are limited to members.  The UUA has ample resources for congregations and their members. 

• The UUA’s Office of Ethics and Safety maintains a FAQ page with resources for victims/survivors and congregations.
• The UUA’s Congregational Life staff is focused on providing a range of resources for congregations. We encourage individuals who have been harmed to pursue therapy or counseling as needed.  If finances are an obstacle for you in accessing therapeutic support, the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline is able to refer you to free or low cost counseling in your area.  

How can I learn more? 

• The UUA’s Safe Congregations page provides valuable resources for congregations to prevent and address violence, abuse, harassment, inappropriate behavior, and other threats to safety.
• Consider taking a Continuing Education course in sexual ethics or boundaries through one of the theological schools (Meadville-Lombard Theological School, Starr King School for the Ministry), the Religious Institute or the Faith Trust Institute; Rev. Dr. Deborah Pope Lance’s Serving Congregations with a History of Misconduct course, or through the UUMA’s new Boundaries class (available this summer).
• Become familiar with the Rules and Policies of the MFC and watch for announcements about updates to the rules.