Phase 3 of background check program to focus on those who work with youth
CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] — In a letter to all rectors and parishes dated July 11, 2016, His Grace, Bishop Paul announced that the third and final phase of the implementation of the Policies and Procedures of Sexual Misconduct for the Orthodox Church in America — the development of a parish/mission volunteer screening program to work with youth — is being initiated.
“Thus far we have obtained background checks on all Priests and Deacons in the Diocese (phase 1),” Bishop Paul wrote. “We have also obtained background checks on readers and sub-deacons (phase 2).… Parishes are [now] to develop a screening program for working with youth.”
In his letter, Bishop Paul outlined the procedure to be observed in completing phase 3 of the program.
“My expectation is that by the summer of 2017, we will be able to say that as a diocese, we are fully compliant with the Policies and Procedures of Sexual Misconduct for the Orthodox Church in America,” Bishop Paul concluded.
Bishop Paul’s letter is available in PDF format.
