Mandatory Reporting by Clergy

The Legislation

On April 9, 2004, Governor Jim Doyle signed Senate Bill 207 which impacts the ministry of every clergyperson and congregation in the State of Wisconsin.  The legislation aims at protecting God's most precious creation: the children of Wisconsin.  The bill requires clergy to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse, extends the statute of limitations for filing criminal and civil charges of alleged child sexual abuse, and clarifies the conditions under which religious organizations can be sued for actions of offending clergy.

Resource Materials

The Wisconsin Council of Churches has developed an advisory booklet as an introduction to the new law and the responsibilities of mandatory reporting. 

    Mandatory Reporting by Clergy: What the New Wisconsin Law Means to You and Your Congregation

To view a copy in Word format click here.  (256kb file)

To view a copy in PDF format click here.   (236kb file)

To view a copy of the legislation click here.  (Wisconsin Legislature PDF file)

Contact Information

For additional information about the Council's training and resources on mandatory clergy reporting call the Council at: (608) 837-3108. 

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