INCORRECT
The policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada is that harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and will be addressed.
The policy covers bullying and harassment.
The policy applies to all of the above: members, staff and volunteers.
A resasonable action taken by an employer or supervisor relating to the management and direction of workers in the workplace is not an example of workplace harassment.
Offering a difference of opinion is not a type of bullying.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada has a policy and procedures for addressing sexual harassment.
Employers, Sessions and members of courts and committees of the church will take steps to prevent and address incidences of harassment.
If the person making the allegation does not feel they can safely meet with the alleged offender then the allegation may be presented directly to the clerk or moderator of the court or jurisdiction or the supervisor in the case of an employee or volunteer.
During any police investigation, church procedures will be suspended.
Allegations made about the conduct of a member, offcer bearer or adherent of the church shall be presented to the clerk of Session or moderator of the Session, unless the allegation is made by a minister, in which case it shall be presented to the clerk or moderator of presbytery.
Every effort should be taken to conduct the investigation and complete the report within 30 days, if possible.
The investigating committee must have no more than 3 members.
Members of the investigating team may contact national office staff for advice and some training.
Both the complainant and the respondent are able to initiate a corrective case if they are not satisfied with the decision.
All records will be kept for two years from the conclusion of the investigation, unless the court deems it necessary to keep them longer.
All records should be kept in a secure, locked location.
It is a violaton of the policy to retaliate against anyone for making a complaint of harassment in good faith, reporting suspected discrimination or harassment, and cooperating in such an investigation.
Employees and members of the church who make a malicious complaint of harassment may be subject to disciplinary action.
Nothing in this policy prevents or discourages an employee of the church from filing an application with the applicable Human Rights Tribunal on a matter related to the applicable human rights legislation within the time period prescribed by such legislation or from exercising any other legal avenues that may be available.
Sessions, ministry boards, presbyteries, synods, camps, colleges and standing committees of The Presbyterian Church in Canada are to read the policy every year.
All of the following are considered forms of bullying: