The person who has authority to respond is determined by the position within the church of the individual or individuals who may be involved in misconduct as follows:
Person Implicated | Person with Authority to Respond |
Nonmember | Pastor of local church where the conduct in question takes place. |
Layperson | Pastor of church where layperson is a member. |
Member of the clergy | District superintendent (in conjunction with the District Advisory Board) where the person implicated is a member or the pastor of the local church where the person is on staff. |
District superintendent | General superintendent in jurisdiction |
Regional director | General superintendent in jurisdiction |
Field strategy coordinator | General superintendent in jurisdiction |
Not otherwise defined | General secretary |
The person with authority to respond should also in a timely manner notify respective persons in leadership at the district, field, regional, and/or global dimensions about the accusations. The person with authority to respond may enlist the help of others in any fact-finding or response.