Metropolis of Chicago Adopts Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy
Achieves 100 percent compliance with Archdiocese Youth Protection Policy
LOMBARD, IL, November 20, 2020 – Aligning with Illinois State Law, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago adopted a Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment and mandated annual training to provide for a safe working environment for all of its employees, contractors, and volunteers. The Metropolis of Chicago also has mandated that its parishes in Illinois and the St. Iakovos Retreat Center adopt their own policies prohibiting sexual harassment and undergo annual training as required by Illinois law.
The Illinois Human Rights Act requires all employers to adopt a Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment, which must include definitions of prohibited conduct, internal reporting mechanisms, guidance for filing complaints to federal or state agencies, and remedies that must be taken should it determine that sexual harassment has occurred. Consistent with Illinois law, the Metropolis is requiring all parish employees, contractors, and parish council members to participate in annual training sessions on sexual harassment prevention.
In order to help parishes remain legally compliant, the Metropolis of Chicago has offered a model policy for parish use, as well as access to a video providing compliance training.
“By definition, our parishes are and always have been safe places where the faithful commune with God and each other. We must do everything within our means and abilities to ensure our parishes remain places of trust, love, and healing for Orthodox Christians as well as for those outside our faith community,” said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael.
The Metropolis of Chicago, together with its parishes, achieved 100 percent compliance with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s Youth Protection Policy. In addition to parish youth workers, all members of the Metropolis Council, the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, the Metropolis Junior Board as well as Metropolis staff, legal advisors, and regular volunteers completed requisite education and training.
In the coming year, the Metropolis of Chicago plans to extend youth protection policy compliance to all ancillary and auxiliary ministries such as Philoxenia House, Martha and Mary House and our Monastic communities. The Metropolis of Chicago will also extend youth protection compliance to key personnel at the parish level, including parish council members, paid staff, and regular volunteers.
About the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago
Tracing its roots back to 1923, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is the diocese of Greek Orthodox faithful in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Indiana, and southeastern Missouri, consisting of 58 parishes and two monastic communities. The Metropolis is one of nine regions in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. The general offices of the Metropolis are temporarily located in Lombard, Illinois. For more information and to get involved, visit our website, join a Strategic Planning Team, and sign up to receive Metropolis news.
For More Information:
Chris Varones
312-213-3887
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