1. Restorative Approaches to Broken Boundaries in Congregational Life How Congregations Can Respond Restoratively Carl Stauffer

2. Kicked out, defrocked, never to return vs. Coddled, hidden, protected and transferred

3. Grappling with Scripture:  Heb. 12:15: See to it that no one misses the grace…that no root of bitterness springs up and defiles many (individual & collective impact of bitterness)  I Cor. 5:1-13: Paul’s hard dealing with immorality in the Corinthian Church – “…deliver/ hand / turn over to Satan…” (Stepping out from under the grace)  II Cor. 2:5-11: Paul’s plea for grace & forgiveness to be offered -“…otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” (Understanding isolating vs. integrating shame)

4. Process Principles:  Deeply & actively listen to all narratives equally – be multi-partial (marriage separation example)  Stay engaged throughout the process – fight the urge to avoid, hold the tensions carefully, and be prepared to “sit in the fire!” (Extramarital affair example)  Use the process as a teachable moment – a corporate educational opportunity. (Public confession in the church example)

5. A Congregational Process Model

6. Phase One: Responsibility  Restorative Justice requires accountability at all levels: (Individual, Families, Congregations & Church Institutions / Organizations)  External Process: Leader entrusted with public power over others  Internal Process: Lay person who is not in a public position of power  A critical teaching moment Note: All cases that have legal ramifications and/or where the safety of others is at stake should be reported immediately.

7. Phase Two: Reconstruction  Separation / isolation does not satisfy justice  For all affected parties: healing for victims and rehabilitation for offenders  Public leaders removed from office for a determined amount of time with review  Assess the needs of all: Holistic support system & restoration plan required – Safety for victim, intensive accountability for offender – (e.g. CoSA), professional or pastoral counseling / therapy for all, behavioral contracts, possible mediation or RJ facilitations, restitution, etc.

8. Phase Three: Reintegration  First Nations peoples: Degradation vs. Integration  For both the victim and the offender & their families  Exercise in transparency, grace & intentionality  Use of ritual, ceremony, recognition, dignity affirmation, celebration and community building  Public invitation & welcome to return as fully functioning members of the congregation  A critical teaching moment

9. Reconstruction: Intersecting Paths of Healing & Accountability VICTIM OFFENDER Denial Denial Hurt Remorse Anger Accountability Acceptance Restitution Healing Rehabilitation Possible RESTORATION / RECONCILIATION © Adapted from Heather Block & Janet P. Schmidt.

10. Questions:  How do we equip leaders and congregations to confidently facilitate restorative processes that allow everyone (or as many as possible) to stay engaged all along the way?  How do we hold the many contested narratives in these situations together? How can we practice multi- partiality?  Can we imagine using restorative processes as “teachable moments” for the congregation? How would we ensure that this is helpful & meaningful?