Creating Safe Congregations: Understanding and Protecting Leaders and Churches from Sexual Misconduct
This training will report the findings of the first national study of clergy sexual misconduct with adults. It will describe how the social dynamics of congregations contribute to, and so can prevent, clergy sexual misconduct. It will explore the dynamics of power and consent in the context of religious communities, as well as the strategies leaders and congregations can use to prevent misconduct. Finally, it will describe clinical care of victims and survivors, and the importance of legislation that creates public awareness of the fiduciary responsibility of religious leaders.
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
1. Know the prevalence of clergy sexual misconduct (CSM) with adults.
2. Describe the dynamics of CSM and their implications for social work practice with victims/survivors and with congregations.
3. Identify strategies for preventing clergy sexual misconduct and resources for working with congregations and communities to intervene early when CSM happens.
Diana Garland is inaugural Dean of the School of Social Work, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, where she has served on the faculty since 1997. Her latest book is Inside Out Families: Living the Faith Together, a result of a research project identifying community service as the most significant contributor to a growing faith among children, adults, and families. She is author, co-author, or editor of 17 other books, including NACSW's Church Social Work. Her book Family Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide (InterVarsity Press) was winner of the 2000 Book of the Year Award of the Academy of Parish Clergy at Princeton Seminary. She is known for her leadership with congregations in family and community ministry and for her research on the faith life of families. She earned her MSSW and PhD from University of Louisville (KY). She is a licensed clinical social worker in Texas.