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HOME to ABC/IN-KYOVERVIEW OF ABC/IN-KY CROMS PROCESS
Written Allegation must be received by the Office of the Executive Minister.
That allegation will be forwarded to the Chair of Commission of Professional Ministry.
The office of the Executive Minister shall inform:
the person against whom the allegation is made of the process of review and request a meeting for preliminary exploration of the allegation.
in a confidential notice the Chair of Board of Deacons or highest elected official of church or church organization presently being served by the individual.
ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD MOLESTATION
must be reported immediately to:
The local law enforcement agency where alleged acts occurred
Church or organization being served by the individual
A preliminary exploration is not made prior to reporting
INVESTIGATION PROCESS
Chair of Commission appoints two persons who shall interview:
The persons making the allegations
The person against whom the allegation is made
Each person so appointed shall make a written report
to the Chair of Commission of Professional ministry.
Chair shall determine:
(Chair of CROMS will forward recommendations to office of Executive Minister who shall notify them.)
Not to convene the Committee on Review of Ministerial Standing
in this case letters are sent conveying this result to:
Person making the allegation
Person against whom the allegation is made
Church or Church organization clergy is currently serving
To convene the Committee on Review of Ministerial Standing
in this case the Committee shall meet for preliminary Exploration with:
Person making allegations
Person against whom allegations have been made
COURSES OF ACTION
There are five possible courses of action
No warrant for a review hearing and exonerate the person
Persons may acknowledge truth of allegations and work with committee in deciding subsequent actions under # 8,c
Committee may temporarily suspend recognition for not more than 90 days (urgent case)
Person may dispute allegations in full or part and yet work with Committee in establishing a plan to deal with situation with; out full review hearing
Person may dispute allegations and Committee decide to utilize review hearing
CROMS REVIEW HEARING
If Review Hearing is the course chosen:
(It will be scheduled in not less than 30 days/ not more than 90 days)
Church or organization being served by the individual shall be notified of Review Hearing, but are not allowed to be present or participate.
Accused individual is to be supplied with:
Written copy of allegations
Description of review hearing procedure
Notification of His/Her rights
( to be present, to present evidence and or witnesses, have an advocate present)
CROMS DECISION AND DELIBERATION
Following the review hearing the Committee (with the chair of deacons or any designated representative from church or church organization presently being served present - but not participating) shall deliberate and make its decision from the following options:
Exoneration
Exonerate the person accused
Exonerate the person accused and take steps to stop continued allegations
Make no finding but take steps to address the issues raised
Develop a plan for addressing the issues short of censure or suspension or withdrawal.
Allow the person to voluntarily relinquish recognition of ordination
Make a finding that upholds the allegations
Censure
Suspend
Withdraw
Committee shall notify all parties of decision with in 15 days of review hearing
An individual who has their recognition suspended or withdrawn, may appeal to Executive Committee of ABC/IN (if there is no action on appeal with in 60 days person may appeal to Executive Committee of National Commission on Ministry {with in 120 days})
Decision of Executive Committee of ABC/IN or Executive Committee of National Commission on Ministry shall be final.
Questions?
Comments? Contact us at abcin@abc-indiana.org
1350 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-2493
Ph (317) 635-3552/FAX (317) 635-3554
This page was last updated on February 18, 2008