New Apostolic Church
Southern Africa
Sexual Misconduct Policy ↑
Extract from District Apostle Kriel's Address to all members on 5 July 2020:
"Now I would like to turn our attention to a matter which continue to plaque our society and which has again come into focus during the lockdown period. This is the issue of Gender Based Violence and Sexual Misconduct.
The New Apostolic Church condemns all forms of Gender Based Violence!
We have identified a need for teaching and educating our members and ministers on this subject. In 2018, I established a Sexual Misconduct Workgroup which was tasked with producing a Sexual Misconduct policy for the church. The aim of having a policy is to affirm the church’s stance of no-tolerance and to support our society in dealing with matters of sexual misconduct.
I am happy to report that after 2 years we now have a policy which will guide our church on all matters relating to sexual misconduct. The policy covers legal and pastoral aspects and provides a framework for dealing with matters of sexual misconduct.
The rollout plan for the policy requires member input. The policy is available now for download and review from our website. I encourage you to please study the policy and if you have any comments, please submit these to the email address smcomments@nac-sa.org.za . We welcome your comments.
At District Apostle area level, I am assisted by a panel of 4 external professionals, and three pastoral leaders. This group has been operating since March 2020 and the results of their work will be shared according to agreed timelines. It is important that these matters enjoy a level of independence and that the pastoral leaders are guided by trained professionals.
We commence the first round of accredited training with the members who will work at an Apostle Area level and this will cascade to the different sections of the church. We are in search of skilled individuals who could assist at a district and congregation level too. If you have the requisite skills, please send your details to applications@nac-sa.org.za
Those who find themselves victims of sexual misconduct by a member or minister, can report this matter to the following email address: reportsm@nac-sa.org.za .
All reports will be handled with confidentially and be managed in my office."