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A free discussion guide on the film "Spotlight" for leaders and members of the United Church of Christ.

Based on true events, "Spotlight", awarded the Oscar for "Best Picture," is a critically acclaimed major motion picture that chronicles The Boston Globe’s Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalism that ultimately unshrouded pervasive societal secrecy surrounding the clergy sexual abuse epidemic in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.

WHY THIS STUDY GUIDE?
Abuse of children can take place in any religious or secular organization, most especially in those that do not insist on having in place systems of training, oversight, accountability and transparent record-keeping.

The United Church of Christ is committed to the safety and protection of children. In order to foster conversation about and learnings from this important film, this study guide has been produced with various constituencies in mind:

• Members of the UCC’s regional Committees on Ministry (which authorize ministers on behalf of the entire denomination and periodically may be called upon to review allegations of ministerial misconduct)
• Authorized Ministers and Congregational Leaders
• Local church groups
• Members in Discernment for Authorized Ministry

We encourage our members and leaders to see this film and then reflect, both individually and with others, on its implications for our life together as the United Church of Christ and why systems of accountability and oversight remain of utmost importance for a church committed to the values of justice and extravagant welcome.

"'Spotlight' is yet another opportunity to encourage important conversations in every church, every organization, where children are served, and thus potentially vulnerable. If the present and future church is to be fully trusted with the well-being of children, it will be our systems of oversight and accountability, not our words or reputations, that will demonstrate our most sincere commitment."––The Rev. Dr. J. Bennett Guess, United Church of Christ

"'Spotlight' is a cautionary tale for us all. The fact is that sexual abuse of children, teens, and adults by those designated as faith leaders is a serious and disturbing reality in every faith community. No exceptions."––The Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune, FaithTrust Institute

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