Part of Becoming a Safer Congregation
What Is a Destructive Behavior Policy?
A Destructive Behavior Policy, sometimes called a Disruptive Behavior Policy, gives the leadership of the congregation more tools to stop abusive, harmful, inappropriate, and otherwise destructive behavior in your midst. A Destructive Behavior Policy, put into place by the congregation’s Board, typically offers the following options when destructive behavior arises:
- Directly addressing the behavior with the person who has behaved destructively, calling them back into covenant and appropriate behavior.
- Creating a behavioral covenant with the person who has behaved destructively, clarifying in detail the ways the are to behave, and ways they are not to behave, in the congregation. This can include requiring that they have no contact inside or outside the congregation with an individual who has been harmed by their destructive behavior.
- Requiring that a person who has behaved destructively cease all participation in the congregation on a temporary basis or a permanent basis.
Destructive behaviors may impact the perceived safety of any adult or child, the disruption of church activities, and the diminishment of the potential and existing membership. When any person’s physical and/or emotional well-being or freedom to safely express their opinions is threatened, action must be taken.
More on Destructive Behavior Policies
For specific guidance on your congregation’s destructive behavior policy, contact safecongregations@uua.org. Our UUA Congregational Life staff will be in touch with you.
Destructive Behavior Policies
Resources and samples for your board and safety team to develop policies on how to respond to destructive and disruptive behaviors.
How Do We Define Destructive Behavior?
The guidelines provided by a Destructive Behavior Policy mean that all are held to the same set of standards. The Destructive Behavior Policy provides a process that leaves less room for singling out a person based on stereotyping or personality conflicts. Destructive behavior can be summarized as one or more of the following
Dangerous
Is the individual the source of a threat or perceived threat to persons or property?
Disruptive
What is the level of interference with congregational activities?
Offensive
Is the behavior likely to drive existing members and visitors away?
Documentation
In addition to developing a policy for addressing destructive behavior, it is recommended that the minister(s) and congregational leaders are diligent in keeping accurate and timely records while approaching a problem and resolution. Written records provide context and continuity should similar issues arise again either involving the same individual or someone different.
What If the Destructive Behavior Occurred Elsewhere?
If someone is part of your congregation, or wishes to be part of your congregation, who has engaged in known violence, financial misconduct, or sexual offenses, and this person is on the path of rehabilitation, a Limited Access Agreement may be appropriate. Such an agreement would help protect the congregation and protect that person, keeping them away from areas of congregational life where their involvement would be risky or inappropriate.
Additional Resources
Naming Bullying Behaviors
Being able to name harmful behaviors is the first step in being able to respond to them.
How do you set healthy limits around disruptive behavior?
This webinar helps leaders discern how to separate disruptive behaviors from persons to create a peaceful community.
Drawing the Line — Disruptive Behavior Policies and Procedures