Oct 10, 2004

Dear Chapter Leaders and DignityUSA Members, 

Since the sex abuse / abuse of power crisis arose in our Church in the past couple of years and its explosiveness threatens to overwhelm it, we have been concerned about many aspects of this crisis including this same issue within DignityUSA nationally and within our chartered chapters. 

Over a year ago chapters began to raise the issue of our addressing this crisis as it relates to presiders and other leaders within DignityUSA.  A heightened awareness of our moral, ethical and legal responsibilities in regards to this highly-charged issue and our voiced objections to the hierarchy’s handling of it - particularly with not seeing themselves as part of the crisis – required us to develop the enclosed newly-adopted policy. 

This policy was thoughtfully and prayerfully arrived at after much consultation with experts and concerned persons both within and outside of DignityUSA.  It is absolutely vital to our great mission that those of us involved as leaders in that mission in all its aspects across the country be aware of this and keep our members and future leaders informed about it.