wfn.org | GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE PUBLISHES POLICY ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY

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CLERGY

                    GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
    8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10021  Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212)
                                  774-0215
         Web: http://www.goarch.org Email: communications@goarch.org

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
June 6, 2002
Contact: Nikki Stephanopoulos

                    GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE PUBLISHES
                    POLICY ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY CLERGY

      New  York,  NY  -  The problem of sexual misconduct by clergy has been
much  in  the news in recent months, and has been shown to have devastating
consequences,  not  only  for  the  individuals  involved,  but  for  their
communities  as  well.  In order to make clear the extreme seriousness with
which  the  Greek  Orthodox Archdiocese of America regards this matter, and
also  to  promote healing for the victims of misconduct, the Holy Eparchial
Synod of the Archdiocese put into effect in the year 2000 a national policy
on  the  investigation and resolution of complaints of sexual misconduct by
clergy.   At  this  time, the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese would
like  to  reaffirm  its  position  and  provide the faithful with a greater
understanding of the existing policy.

      The  most recently updated version of this policy includes a carefully
planned  procedure designed to ensure that allegations of sexual misconduct
by  clergy  are  taken  seriously, investigated thoroughly, and adjudicated
justly.   Responsibility  for  administering the process is assigned to the
Chancellor  of  the  Archdiocese.  The Archdiocese will also cooperate with
applicable civil authorities in investigating these issues, particularly if
the charge involves a minor.

      To  assist  in  the investigation process, a telephone hotline - (877)
554-3382**  - has been established to answer questions regarding the policy
and  to  accept  complaints  relating  to sexual misconduct by clergy.  All
calls  with questions or complaints will be taken seriously and allegations
will  be investigated fully and impartially.  Callers can ask to speak with
a male or female volunteer in either   Greek or English.  Calls may also be
made directly to the Archdiocesan Chancellor's Office, (212) 570-3513.

      Persons  staffing  the  hotline are all lay volunteers and come from a
variety   of  backgrounds  including  psychology,  social  work  and  human
resources.   Hotline  staffers  attempt  to  return  calls  as  quickly  as
possible, and generally within 48 hours.

      The Church's policy on misconduct was developed by working groups that
included  hierarchs, clergy, lay leaders, lawyers and clinical and academic
experts.   The  chancellors  of the dioceses, who play an important role in
all  matters  affecting  the clergy, were key participants.  The group also
reviewed policies developed by other religious denominations.

      The  full text of the policy is available on the Archdiocesan Web Site
(www.goarch.org),  and  upon  request from the Chancellor's Office.  Copies
have  also  been  mailed  to  each  priest  and  parish  council within the
Archdiocese.   The  telephone  hotline  (877)  554-3382**  will be ready to
receive calls beginning June 17, 2002.

      **  Correction: Please be advised that the Hotline number published in
the May 2002 issue of the Orthodox Observer is incorrect.
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