News Conference: Judy’s Statement

I am Rev. Judith VanKennen, pastor at Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ in Massena, NY. I am also the Moderator of the United Church of Christ New York Conference. I speak as a local clergyperson, and a representative of the UCCNY Conference. We fully endorse the passage of the “Child Abuse Reporting Expansion Act.”

The United Church of Christ has a robust process for processing claims of clergy sexual abuse and other misconduct. We hold as sacred the responsibility of providing a place of safety and accountability. It is expected of all clergy and others who work with youth and children to be mandated reporters when suspicions or allegations of abuse arise. Further, the United Church of Christ has resources for churches who wish to commit themselves to a journey of healing after such abuse has been reported. We commit to making a safe space for survivors to share their stories and beheard compassionately by the Church.

I appreciate subdivision 1, paragraph (e), that states that clergy are not required to disclose a confidence made to them as spiritual advisor. This should be safeguarded. It does sadden me however, that there is a need to spell it out in paragraph (f) that “if the clergy has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused or maltreated based on information other than through a confession, they must report it.”

Christians are mandated reporters. We are mandated by Christ to care for the “least of these” among us - meaning the most vulnerable. In this case, the children.

The United Church of Christ and I stand with you in the hope that NYS will pass this important legislation in the belief it will prevent many of our children from being further traumatized and harmed.