A139 Amend Canon IV.6.4 -Intake Timeline
Resolved, the House of ________________ concurring,
That the 81st General Convention amend Canon IV.6.4 to read as follows:
<Amended text as it would appear if adopted and concurred. Scroll below the line of asterisks (******) to see the version showing all deleted and added text.>
Sec. 4. Upon receipt of such information, the Intake Officer may undertake such initial inquiry as he or she deems necessary, and shall incorporate the information into a written intake report, including as much specificity as possible. Within 45 days after receiving information concerning an Offense, the Intake Officer must provide copies of the intake report to the other members of the Reference Panel and to the Church Attorney.
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<Proposed amended resolution text showing exact changes being made:>
Sec. 4. Upon receipt of such information, the Intake Officer may undertake such initial inquiry as he or she deems necessary, and shall incorporate the information into a written intake report, including as much specificity as possible. Within 45 days after receiving information concerning an Offense, the The Intake Officer shall must provide copies of the intake report to the other members of the Reference Panel and to the Church Attorney.
Explanation
It takes a lot of bravery for an Injured Person or Complainant to make a report against a member of the clergy. The silence that follows that report can be deafening. Currently, there is no time limit on the initial intake, which means that silence can last indefinitely and cause undue hardship on the brave soul that made the complaint. This amendment requires that initial intake be completed within 45 days.