Anglican Diocese of N.S. and P.E.I. adopts pledge banning inappropriate use of NDAs
The head of a Canadian advocacy group says the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island's passing of a resolution not to misuse non-disclosure agreements marks an important step forward.
Julie Macfarlane of Can't Buy My Silence Canada says a member of the diocese told her the membership unanimously passed a resolution to not use NDAs unless requested by a complainant in cases involving sexual harassment, misconduct or abuse, discrimination, retaliation or bullying.
She says the resolution was passed Saturday during the diocese's weekend of meetings, which is called a synod.
Macfarlane says the movement among Christian organizations to ban the inappropriate use of NDAs is particularly impactful given that non-disclosure agreements have been used to silence victims of abuse in the church.
Macfarlane, who is a survivor of sexual abuse by an Anglican minister, says she hopes the regional Anglican diocese is the first of many religious organizations in Canada to commit to the non-disclosure agreement pledge.
The diocese did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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In a statement issued by Can't Buy My Silence on Friday, diocese member Cynthia Pilichos said she would be speaking in favour of adopting the ban on inappropriate NDA use at the synod because the pledge is in line with the organization's commitments to ensure justice, respect and dignity for all.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2025.
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