OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Tri-Faith initiative has issued a statement after claims of sexual harassment by a former clergy member were reported by the United Methodist Church. They are asking people who may have been harassed to contact them.
According to the report on their website, "four women have brought formal accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse against a United Methodist clergyman who is prominent in interfaith work."
Rev. Donald “Bud” Heckman has been suspended from duty as the accusations are investigated and they say he will likely face a church trial.
Here in Omaha, the Tri-Faith Initiative issued this statement about Heckman who was Former Executive Director of the Tri-Faith Initiative:
United Methodist News reported on Thursday, October 17 that formal accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse have been made against a former Executive Director of the Tri-Faith Initiative, Rev. Donald “Bud” Heckman. The alleged offense dates back to 2011. Rev. Heckman was an employee from March 2018-February 2019.
The Tri-Faith Initiative is committed to providing an environment free of discriminatory intimidation or harassment. In keeping with this commitment, we maintain a strict policy prohibiting harassment in any form, including verbal, physical, and visual harassment.
For any individual who has personally experienced or witnessed an incident of discrimination or sexual harassment, we urge you to pursue legal justice. The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) can connect you with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
