Glossary
This section defines terms used in this report, in the context of their current usage in our Unitarian Universalist denomination.
Second Circle: A person or group injured by Clergy Sexual Misconduct, other than a Victim/Survivor; e.g. members of the family of a Victim/Survivor or Defendant; a Congregation and its individual members or other bystanders; or a close colleague. In its broadest sense, may include a Congregation's surrounding community, and the larger world of Unitarian Universalism.
Secrecy: The suppression of information about Clergy Sexual Misconduct. Ordinarily, such information should be suppressed only to the extent required to protect the Confidentiality of a Victim or Survivor, as decided by that person. Beyond this, Secrecy may unduly maintain a power imbalance, and impair the right of the Congregation and larger world to know.
Sexual Abuse: The misuse of the power differential inherent in a Minister's position of moral authority or relationship of trust, through Clergy Sexual Misconduct.
Sexual Harassment: The misuse of the power differential inherent in a Minister's position of moral authority or relationship of trust, through unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Survivor: A Victim who has healed or recovered from the experience of Clergy Sexual Misconduct. Healing and recovery are a continuum, as self-determined by the Victim or Survivor. Its stages may include the establishment of that person's safety, the reconstruction of the person's story, and restoration to the person's community.
For more information contact safecongregations@uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
