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Introduction

At times there may be issues within faith communities that can lead to someone making a complaint. The nature of these can vary, for example, from unhappiness about something that took place within a worship service, right through to more serious allegations of bullying or inappropriate behaviour.

Sometimes conflict is unavoidable, and relationships get damaged for a variety of reasons. All faith communities within the Diocese of Dunedin welcome concerns and complaints and are committed to working through these with a goal of restoration and right relationships for those involved. We take complaints seriously and endeavour to handle them sensitively and without undue delay.

If a complaint is against an office holder in the church, visit the Ministry Standards website for more information and to lodge any complaints. This is entirely independent of any specific church context and will assist people in the process.

Complaints In a Church

If anyone has a complaint against another member of the same faith community, first speak with your clergy or a Warden. A complaint that is unable to be resolved locally may be referred to an Archdeacon – please contact the Diocesan Office for advice: telephone 0800 237-239; Or email  safe@calledsouth.org.nz). The Diocesan Office is also available for advice around any complaint that is not likely to go beyond a faith community.

If any complaint is against an office holder, lay minister or clergy person, please visit the Ministry Standards website for information on what behaviour needs to be dealt with by the Canons (rules) of the Church, and to submit your complaint.

Complaints Regarding a Diocesan Event

If anyone has a complaint regarding an experience at a Diocese of Dunedin organised event, contact your local clergy person. If this is not possible or does not resolve the complaint, please contact the Diocesan Office for advice: telephone  0800 237-239 or email: safe@calledsouth.org.nz.

Complaints about a Social Service

If a complaint is against someone a person has experienced as part of a social service of Anglican Family Care (Otago) or South Centre (Invercargill), please contact them directly:

• Anglican Family Care: https://anglicanfamilycare.org.nz/complaints-procedureortelephone 03 477 0801 or 0800 FAM CARE

• South Centre: southcentre@xtra.co.nz telephone 03 218 2777 or 214 0344

For other organisations, see https://www.calledsouth.org.nz/organisations/ for contact details.

If the social service was delivered by a particular Anglican church community, contact the local priest/vicar or the Diocesan Office telephone: 0800 237-239; Email: safe@calledsouth.org.nz

To read about our Diocese of Dunedin Complaint Principles go to: https://www.calledsouth.org.nz/complaints/