Anti-bullying policy
The church is called to be community of acceptance and safety. The Gospel teaches us true humility and in Romans 12.10 we are urged to ‘be devoted to one another in brotherly love’ and to ‘honour one another above yourselves’
What is bullying?
Bullying is the use of power in ways that demean or coerce another person. Bullying takes place when someone uses their power to satisfy their own needs at the expense of others. It has no place in Grangetown Baptist Church.
Nothing in this policy in any way limits our freedom and obligation to speak biblical truth to one another and the world around us. The policy does underline that everything in the church, including the robust communication of biblical truth, must be done in a respectful, compassionate and humble way that honours the Lord Jesus Christ and exploits no one.
How can bullying be recognised?
This list of behaviours is not exhaustive but gives an indication of the sorts of actions that constitute bullying:
- setting out to make someone appear incompetent
- inappropriate, invasive or impertinent questioning
- unwelcome or misunderstood ‘banter’
- persistently picking on someone in front of others
- ignoring or manipulating due process in corporate decision making
- deliberate sabotage of work or actions
- deliberately withholding information or providing incorrect information.
- overloading with work/reducing deadlines without paying attention to any protest
- displays of offensive material
- use of e-mails or text messages to reprimand, insult or otherwise inform someone of their apparent failing, either to the individual or to third parties
- repeatedly shouting or swearing in public or in private
- spreading malicious rumours to third parties
- public humiliation by constant innuendo, belittling and ‘putting down’
- personal insults and name-calling
- aggressive gestures, verbal threats and intimidation
- persistent threats about security
- aggressive bodily posture or physical contact
- talking/shouting directly into someone’s face
- direct physical intimidation, violence or assault
Responding to Bullying
Accusations of bullying, or concerns about bullying, should be referred to the Church Officers. They will be taken seriously and handled with confidentiality and sensitivity as appropriate.
Adopted by Church Members Meeting on 19 June 2019