Albany, N.Y. - The New York State Council of Churches joins faith leaders across New York in calling for justice and support for Jane Doe following allegations of a horrific sexual assault at Cornell University in October 2024.
Sexual violence violates the dignity of every person. The allegations raise serious concerns about whether those in authority adequately protected Jane Doe. We call for a thorough, fair investigation, accountability, and meaningful reforms to prevent sexual violence at Cornell and other institutions.
Faith communities must also challenge attitudes that normalize abuse. The United Nations has warned about the “manosphere,” a network of online communities that can promote misogyny under the guise of addressing men’s struggles. Our congregations can offer a different example through education, healthy relationships, and respect for every person.
Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York and Bishop Lee Miller of the Upstate New York Synod, ELCA, jointly called for institutional accountability:
“We urge Cornell to examine whether its policies, investigative practices, and institutional responses have been sufficient to protect students and uphold the commitments the University has made regarding sexual violence. We also urge the immediate and sustained implementation of the Task Force recommendations, including increased knowledge, improved communication, student empowerment, accountability, and behavioral change.”
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez, addressing United Methodists of Upper New York, prayed for those seeking the truth:
“We also pray for all who are entrusted with seeking the truth. May investigators, prosecutors, attorneys, university leaders, and others involved be guided by wisdom, integrity, fairness, and a commitment to justice.”
Rev. Jason Churchill, pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ithaca, a Cornell and Ithaca College chaplain, and a member of the NYSCOC Executive Board, affirmed:
“Sexual and gender-based violence is a grave sin against our shared humanity and against the God whose image every person bears.”
The United Methodist General Commission on the Status and Role of Women urged action: “Every church needs to say something. Every church needs to do something.”
The Council’s commitment to preventing sexual abuse has deep roots. Safer Society Press and Program operated within NYSCOC before becoming the independent Safer Society Foundation in 1995. Its continuing work in prevention, treatment, and education reflects a responsibility we share: preventing abuse and supporting survivors.
Ending sexual violence requires sustained education, vigilance, accountability, and care for survivors. Our prayers must be accompanied by action—in our congregations, our institutions, and our communities.
