Tree of Life’s Coffee With Questions Tackles Sexual Harassment

The Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s, weekly adult discussion Coffee With Questions is addressing one of the most dramatic and controversial issues dominating the news today, sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse this Sunday morning December 17 at 9:15 at the church 5603 West Bull Valley Road in McHenry.

Charges of sexual harassment have led to the downfalls of leading political, entertainment, and business figure this year spurred by the groundswell of the #MeToo movement. The issue is so important Coffee With Questions is issuing a special invitation to the public to join in its challenging discussion this week.

The discussion will be facilitated by Judith Stettner, and Terry Kappel. In keeping with the program’s format participants will be asked to consider several facts and questions:

In the past year there have been many public accusations of sexual misconduct, harassment, and rape. As allegations against individuals have come out, many women, and men have felt emboldened by the bravery of others to come out with their own violations, despite the pain of public humiliation, judgement, and retaliation. The #MeToo movement followed with revelations by multiple women on social media who shared their own painful experiences.

The numbers of women revealing abhorrent behavior has become a tidal wave. Some individuals have been fired or forced to resign their positions amid such accusations. Some who have been accused and have refused to acknowledge the accusations, and even resorted to the time tested tactic of slandering their accusers.

While accusations by men and women of sexual harassment have been more numerous in recent months, the allegations still face the same obstacles.

What is sexual harassment and where is the line between casual flirtatious conduct and misconduct?

What is the toll of sexual harassment on women and men who have experienced it?

Is there culture which permits and even excuses sexual behavior which can cross the line of appropriateness?

How do we maintain a presumption of innocence while still encouraging those abused to come forward?

What is the appropriate punishment for sexual misconduct?

Childcare is available with an advance request to Religious Education Director Sam Jones at samjones@ameritech.net .

The discussion is free and open to the public.