Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Policy:
The policy of the Ohio Orthodox Catholic Church does not tolerate any form of abuse (sexual, physical or psychological) by any clergy/monastic, volunteers or paid staff within the Church.
Our policy not only is about protecting our youth, but also vulnerable adults.
If someone suspects that a child or vulnerable adult is or has been abused, then we expect that the concern is first reported to the local authorities and then to the Chancery office. Anyone suspected of these allegations will be immediately placed under administrative suspension until further information is known. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
The Ohio Orthodox Catholic Church, in its acceptance of clergy or monastic persons, volunteers or paid staff into the church does:
- Perform a legal/criminal background check. All cost involved are the responsibility of the applicant at the time of the application.
- Require that the "Stewards of Children" training program provided by the Darkness to Light Organization (D2L.org) will be successfully completed within 3 months of acceptance by the Church. The certificate will be held on file by the Chancery Office. This training program teaches how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
- Require Psychological testing on applicants when deemed necessary.
Additional refresher programs are required every three years.
People requesting a printed copy of our policy should write to the Office of the Chancery of the Ohio Orthodox Catholic Church, P O Box 33127, Cincinnati, OH 45233-0167
The Ohio Orthodox Catholic Church reserves the right to add to these requirements at any time.