UnitarianUniversalistChurch of the Shenandoah Valley
Policy on Disruptive Behavior
Adopted February 6, 2007
The Board of Directors, aware that our congregation is a caring religious community where respect must prevail, is adopting a five-step process to ensure that the fabric of the community is protected from the disruptive behavior of any adult person. Disruptive behavior by children and youth under age 18 will be covered by the policy adopted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee.
Openness to a wide variety of individuals and viewpoints is a prime value held by our congregation and expressed in the Unitarian Universalist Principles. We affirm the belief that our congregation must maintain a secure atmosphere where such openness can exist. Additionally, meaningful worship services as well as effective operations of the Church require cooperation and trust among members of the congregation. When a person’s behavior threatens the free expression of ideas or disrupts worship services or meetings, prompt action must be taken.
Examples of disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to major disturbances or interruptions in Church services or meetings; harassment, threats or intimidation of individuals; discrimination of any type; the malicious spreading of falsehoods; and physical actions which are potentially harmful to others or to property.
- Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated by this Church or by any group within it. When it occurs, the affected person(s) should draw the disruptive person aside and explain in what way the behavior is disruptive.
Note: In case of severe disruption, which threatens personal safety or property, the police should be called.
- If the disruptive behavior continues, or the affected person(s) feel unable to deal directly with the person deemed to be disruptive, the affected person(s) should bring the matter to the attention of the Minister or a Board member who will speak to the disruptive person. In ongoing cases, the Minister will work with the Board in resolving the problem.
- When the minister and board get involved in ongoing cases, a formal letter will be written to the disruptive person on behalf of the Board stating that the behavior must be corrected, explaining in what way the behavior is damaging to the community, and inviting the individual to meet with several church leaders appointed by the Board to resolve the problem.
- If no resolution occurs, the Board will determine the action to be taken. This action could include exclusion from worship services, from committee meetings, from all activities of the Church in general, or whatever other steps the Board deems appropriate. Any Board action will be described in a letter to the disruptive person. In addition, a confidential, written record of all matters pertaining to the disruptive behavior and the steps taken to resolve it will be maintained by the Board Secretary.
- If, in time, the person demonstrates change in his/her disruptive behavior and wishes to return to Church activities, s/he may make such a written request to the Board.
To aid the Minister and Church leaders in evaluating disruptive situations, and to help determine the appropriate response, the following points should be considered:
- Degree of Danger – How serious is the actual or perceived threat to people or property?
- Level of Disruption – How much is the disruption interfering with Church functions or events?
- Offensiveness – How likely is it that prospective or existing members will be driven away by the behavior?
- Causes – Why is the disruption occurring? Is it a conflict between the individual and other(s) in the church? Is it due to a professionally diagnosed condition?
- History – What is the frequency and degree of disruption caused in the past by this person or group?
- Probability of Change – How likely is it that the problem behavior will diminish in the future?
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