Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

By act of the 79^th General Convention in Austin, Texas last summer, the statute of limitations for making claims against clergy for sexual misconduct was extended for three years, beginning January 1, 2019 until December 31, 2021. Here is a link to a copy of Resolution D034 https://www.vbinder.net/resolutions/D034?house=hb&lang=en that amended the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, providing that during this three-year window, an allegation may be brought against a cleric in this Church for acts of sexual misconduct regardless of any prior time limit that might have applied. There is no time limit on reporting clergy sexual misconduct against those under the age of 21.
 
Also, here is a link to the letter from Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies: https://houseofdeputies.org/2018/12/12/statute-of-limitations-suspension-begins-january-1-a-letter-from-the-presiding-bishop-and-president-jennings-in-english-y-espanol/
 
The Diocese of Ohio has designated Intake Officers to receive confidential complaints regarding clergy misconduct. They are Mr. William F.B. Vodrey and Ms. Marie B. Curry. William can be reached at intakeofficer@dohio.org or 216.385.8511. Marie can be reached at intakeofficer2@dohio.org or 330.990.3092. 
 
Parish leaders and priests should circulate and publicize this information in their parishes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bill Powel, Canon to the Ordinary and Chancellor, at wpowel@dohio.org or 216.774.0449.


Gratefully,

The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.
Bishop of Ohio