North Langley Community Church (NLCC) is dedicated to fostering a community where people feel safe, respected, and supported. This document serves as a comprehensive guide outlining NLCC's Sexual Misconduct Policy, highlighting the church's unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of our members and guests.

Persons Covered:

The Policy applies universally to all individuals affiliated with the church, including staff, volunteers, and those acting as representatives of NLCC. This underscores the church's recognition of the importance of upholding ethical standards and trust within our community. The Policy applies to all instances of sexual misconduct regardless of when or where it may occur.

Terms and Definitions:

Sexual Misconduct encompasses a spectrum of behaviors, ranging from overt abuse to more subtle forms of harassment and misuse of power. The Policy identifies these behaviors to equip our church community with the knowledge necessary to recognize warning signs and establish healthy boundaries. This is essential for both preventing sexual misconduct and effectively addressing it if it occurs.

Policy Regarding Sexual Misconduct:

NLCC unequivocally condemns all forms of Sexual Misconduct, affirming the inherent dignity and worth of every individual created in the image of God. NLCC is committed to taking every report seriously and we are dedicated to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our members and guests above all else. NLCC commits to supporting individuals through what can be a challenging and traumatic experience. Additionally, the suspension of accused individuals during investigations serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our church family and community while upholding the principle of innocence until proven guilty.

Confidentiality:

NLCC recognises the sensitive nature of these matters and the potential impact on individuals’ privacy. To that end, confidentiality is paramount and will be maintained within the confines of the investigation, except where required by law.

Procedures in Responding to Allegations:

NLCC has established both formal and informal pathways for addressing allegations of Sexual Misconduct. Individuals have the option to pursue either route based on their comfort level and the nature of the incident. For those opting for the formal process, NLCC has a well-defined procedure for submitting a complaint for review and hearing. The church's Executive Pastor and Personnel Committee are responsible for overseeing this process, ensuring that all complaints are handled promptly, impartially, and with sensitivity to the needs of all parties involved.

Prevention and Education:

NLCC is taking a proactive approach to help prevent Sexual Misconduct, through our existing comprehensive training programs and safety policies, as well as this new policy.  By engaging the congregation in these efforts through this policy, NLCC seeks to further promote a culture of vigilance and accountability, where everyone plays a role in upholding the church's commitment to personal safety.

Action Steps:

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact safeguarding@nlcc.ca  

Read the Full Policy