ETHICAL COMPLAINTS POLICY AND PROCEDURES (Approved October, 2025)
Treeleaf Zendo, a Soto Zen Sangha
A compassionate standard of behavior is expected from everyone who participates in Treeleaf Sangha. This standard is based on respect for each person as a unique expression of Buddha Nature, without regard to age, gender, ethnic and cultural background, religion, appearance, sexual orientation, physical abilities, political beliefs, social class, or occupation. Inappropriate action is harmful to ourselves and others. It may include verbal or physical violence, sexual misconduct or harassment, drug and substance abuse leading to harm to others or illegal conduct, malicious gossip, extreme or regular displays of anger, insults or demeaning comments, and manipulative or duplicitous speech, stalking, defamation, fraud or misuse of funds or property, or like actions which cause harm.
Guided by the Bodhisattva Precepts and our Vow to Benefit All Beings, our Treeleaf Priests shall endeavor to maintain appropriate communication and behavior in relation to others at all times. Helping our Sangha members and all sentient beings and avoiding harm is our wish. However, sometimes, harms and wrongs may occur despite our ideals, and people may act in ways they should not. In such cases, Sangha members and others who feel that a harm or wrong has happened to them should be able to make a claim to our Ethics Committee, seeking correction and resolution.
The Grievance Procedure
(1) Contacting Committee Members: If any Sangha member or other person (an "Aggrieved Party") feels that they have suffered a harm or wrong based upon unethical words or actions of a Treeleaf Priest or Priests (a "Subject Priest") and they cannot, or feel it inappropriate to, work out the matter privately with the Subject Priest, the Aggrieved Party may raise the matter by contacting one or more members of our Treeleaf Ethics Committee (the "Ethics Committee"), explaining the situation. The current members of the Ethics Committee are listed below, and an Aggrieved Party should feel free to contact any or all of them.
(2) Attempting Informal Resolution: The contacted Ethics Committee members will agree among themselves on one or more among themselves (each an "Ethics Representative") to then informally, and privately, gather further information from the Aggrieved Party and the Subject Priest, seeking to work out an amicable resolution agreed to by both the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest. If such an amicable solution can be found, the matter shall be deemed closed. Only with the consent of the Aggrieved Party, an Ethics Representative may also contact any Transmitted Priest of our Sangha, requesting information, advice and support in amicably and privately resolving the matter. Only with the consent of the Aggrieved Party and the Subject Priest together, an Ethics Representative may contact and seek information from any other persons but otherwise shall not do so at this stage in order to preserve confidentiality. In unusual and especially sensitive cases, where necessary to protect the privacy of the Aggrieved Party, the Ethics Representative can seek amicable resolution without disclosing the identity of the Aggrieved Party to the Subject Priest.
(3) Formal Complaint When No Informal Resolution: If no amicable resolution can be found which is satisfactory to the Aggrieved Party (or if one or more of the Ethics Representatives feel that a matter is so serious that it should be addressed formally by the full Ethics Committee without attempting or waiting for amicable resolution), any one or more of the Ethics Representatives shall be obligated to present the matter to the full Ethics Committee (a "Formal Complaint"), notifying both the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest that they are doing so. However, except in a most extreme case as adjudged by the Ethics Representative, the consent of the Aggrieved Party shall first be obtained before proceeding to make the Formal Complaint to the full Ethics Committee.
(4) Content of Formal Complaint: The Formal Complaint shall be made by one or more of the Ethics Representatives in writing (via email), attaching when possible a statement in writing by the Aggrieved Party, directed to all members of the full Ethics Committee setting out the general nature of the complaint, the identity of the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest, that amicable resolution was attempted including general details of discussions, and the fact that amicable resolution was not successful (or that, in the opinion of the Ethics Representative, the matter is so serious that it should be addressed by the full Ethics Committee without waiting for amicable resolution.) In unusual and especially sensitive cases, where necessary to protect the privacy of the Aggrieved Party, the identity of the Aggrieved Party shall only be disclosed to members of the Ethics Committee who are under an independent professional obligation to maintain confidentiality (e.g., licensed lawyers, mental health professionals, medical doctors and clergy who are bound by such an obligation. Even so, without consent of the Aggrieved Party, the Ethical Representative shall attempt to minimize disclosure of their identity when confidentiality is needed. ) If the Aggrieved Party has expressed a desired outcome regarding the matter, that outcome shall be described in the Formal Complaint. The Subject Priest shall also be afforded the right and opportunity to present a written statement to the full Ethics Committee at the outset of these procedures.
(5) Investigation of Formal Complaint: All decisions of the Ethics Committee shall require affirmative "yes" approval by a majority of all unrecused members of the Committee. (In the event of a tie, a proposal shall be deemed rejected as worded.) The Ethics Committee can select one member from among themselves to shepherd the matter (the "Chairperson"). At any point in time after receiving the Formal Complaint, a majority of the Ethics Committee can vote to end further investigation and action if it appears clear to them on the face of the Formal Complaint that there was no ethical breach. Or, a majority of the Ethics Committee can instead vote to select one or more of the Ethics Committee's members (each an "Investigating Member," who may include, but not necessarily, an Ethics Representative or the Chairperson) to proceed to gather further information, speak to the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest to hear their explanations, and to interview outside witnesses identified by the Aggrieved Party and/or Subject Priest. The Investigating Member shall summarize gathered information in writing (email) addressed to all members of the Ethics Committee. If any two (2) members of the full Ethics Committee request, the Aggrieved Party, the Subject Priest or any outside witness shall be invited to (but shall not be obligated to) appear separately in video meetings with the full Ethics Committee to explain their viewpoints and to answer questions from Ethics Committee members ("Testimony"). A recording of the Testimony video meeting shall be made with consent of the testifying person for later viewing by members, including any member who was unable to attend the meeting live (However, the recording shall be deleted promptly after final closing of this matter as described below.) A refusal by the Aggrieved Party or a Subject Priest to provide requested information may be considered significant in terms of reaching a conclusion on the validity of the complaint. If any two (2) members of the full Ethics Committee request, the Committee may consult with outside experts who bear a professional duty of confidentiality (e.g., licensed lawyers, mental health professionals or medical doctors), but even in such case, shall avoid to disclose the identity of the parties involved without the consent of such party or any identifying information in making such a consultation.
(6) Recommendations and Resolution: Upon receipt of the report of the Investigating Member, a majority of the full Ethics Committee can vote to end further investigation and to take no further action, finding no ethical breach and no situation in need of remedy. Or, if a majority of the full Ethics Committee so approve, they can recommend in writing to the Transmitted Priests of Treeleaf Sangha (but not including any such Priest who is a Subject Priest in the matter) the taking of disciplinary measures up to and including verbal warning and reprimand, temporary suspension or permanent dismissal from this Sangha, and possibly further including dismissal from the Priesthood. In extreme cases, contacting law enforcement authorities can be recommended (although the consent of the Aggrieved Party shall be first obtained before doing so in all but the most extreme cases.) The recommendation of the Ethics Committee may also include other measures suggested to be taken, such as outside ethics courses, inviting of outside parties to investigate the matter and recommend a response, consultation with legal or other experts, or tightening of rules and standards within Treeleaf Sangha. The Transmitted Priests of this Sangha shall be obligated to follow the recommended measures of the Ethics Committee in the matter, provided however that, with the agreement of 2/3rds or more of the Transmitted Priests (but not including a Subject Priest), a lesser or alternative course of action can be undertaken in the matter.
(7) Notice of Recommendations and Resolution: Upon a majority vote of the full Ethics Committee to end the matter, to take no further action or upon a remedy and other courses of action being recommended by the Ethics Committee (or a lesser or alternative course being decided by 2/3rds or more of the Transmitted Priests), the full Ethics Committee shall thereupon inform the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest in writing (email) of the final determination to end the matter without further action or of any recommendations made by the Ethics Committee, including steps which shall now be taken (as well as, when occurring, the fact that 2/3rds or more of the Transmitted Priests, not including a Subject Priest, shall have nonetheless voted to undertake a lesser or alternative course of action.) The content of the written notice shall -not- be publicly posted to the full Treeleaf Sangha forum, provided however that the Aggrieved Party shall have the right to request that the written notice be posted to the full Treeleaf Sangha forum, or may choose to do so themself. All members of the Ethics Committee shall otherwise hold all learned information, discussions in the course of deliberations, as well as personal or others' opinions regarding the matter in strict confidence and shall not disclose the same to anyone except to other Ethics Committee members (provided however, this shall not include the rare and extreme case in which a member or members of the Ethics Committee feel that outside consultants, lawyers or other experts or law enforcement must be notified of a matter).
(8) Closing of Matter: Upon the foregoing determination by a majority of the Ethics Committee to end a matter without further action, or upon the undertaking or completion of the measures recommended or determined pursuant to (7), the matter shall be deemed closed.
Standards for Resolution by the Ethics Committee
Because situations are so varied, whereby it is impossible to set out fixed standards and rules that will cover all situations in their complexity, each member of the Ethics Committee, in seeking resolution, shall bear in mind and employ their own common sense and experience, professional training and education, knowledge of societal standards, their understanding of our Precepts and general standards of ethical conduct and, most importantly, the interests of the Aggrieved Party and (where innocent, or in the case of a minor, non-repeated and appropriately self-reflected upon and amended offence by which justice and fairness are thus served) the Subject Priest as well, together with the interests of our entire Sangha and all its members. Even if a member of the Ethics Committee has positive or negative personal feelings or a friendly relationship with a party to a matter, as might be expected in a small community such as our Sangha, they shall attempt in their deliberations and recommendations to put aside those feelings and sentiments unrelated to the matter, and shall act neutrally and impartially in judging the matter. Transmitted Priests will be afforded the benefit of the doubt in their decisions regarding general management of the Sangha, except where clearly an ethical violation. Of course, always speak respectfully, compassionately, honestly but gently with others even when matters might become passionate. Any member of the Ethics Committee deemed a subject of investigation shall not participate in deliberations and voting on any matter regarding the investigation, and shall be recused, and the matter shall be handled by the remaining members only. If a majority of Ethics Committee members are deemed to be subjects of investigation, a special committee of uninvolved persons shall be established by majority vote combined of all non-subject Ethics Committee members and Transmitted Priests. Deliberations among the members of the Full Ethics Committee can be in writing and/or by video meeting, or a combination, as they individually decide.
Sexual Relationships and Communications
No romantic, dating or sexual relationship shall be allowed between any Ordained priest (whether Unsui novice, Senior or Transmitted Priest) and a non-Ordained member of Treeleaf Sangha or of any other Zen group which the priest leads or facilitates. No Ordained priest shall either initiate or encourage romantic or sexual communications with such a non-Ordained person. However, such a relationship shall be permissible only after six (6) months shall have lapsed from the time of the Ordained priest and/or the non-Ordained member fully ending any situation in which it appears that the priest may be guiding the non-Ordained member in Zen or Buddhist practice in any way.
Confidentiality
Private conversations with ordained Priests are best considered communication with clergy and should be kept confidential by the priest except in unusual circumstances involving the health and safety of an individual, preventing a crime or compliance with law. Particularly sensitive matters involving the well-being of members of this Sangha can be discussed in confidence among the ordained Priests themselves when necessary.
Ethics Committee
A committee consisting of two Priests from Treeleaf, two or more respected general (lay) members and one or more independent outside members shall be established. Given the primarily online nature of our sangha in which the conducting of an election of the total membership will be difficult, the members (including any replacement member) will be nominated by the Priests then presented to the full membership of Treeleaf Sangha by a posting. The nominee will be deemed appointed unless written complaints regarding an appointment are received within one week from such posting in our Forum from any ten (10) or more general members requesting that the person not be appointed, in which case the person will not be eligible for membership on the committee. A member of the Ethics Committee can be removed at any time (e.g., for reasons including their inability to serve due to health, unreachability, an ethical breach on their part, or other like serious grounds) by majority vote of the remaining Ethics Committee members -or- vote by 2/3rds or more of the Transmitted Priests of this Sangha. In seeking members of the Ethics Committee, candidates for nomination shall be sought who seem to have a reputation, personally or professionally, of trust and honesty, and where possible, some professional or other expertise in law, mental health issues or the like, that will be helpful to the work of the committee.
The current members of the Treeleaf Ethics Committee are:
1- Denis Kyrill Esposito (joined our Forum in October 2009, but currently independent and outside)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/memb...12372-Kyrillos
or
frkyrill[a]comcast.net
Kyrill was formerly a Monk of the Benedictine Order, now retired as an ordained Byzantine Catholic priest after serving over 40 years. He has long sought to find the common between the Christian religion and Buddhist practice, and thus underwent Shukke Tokudo ordination in a Chan Buddhist Lineage (not affiliated with Treeleaf) at the Lotus Zen Temple, becoming a monastic of the Order of the Lotus Blossom, in the Chan lineage of Hui Neng, where he was given the ordination name Yin Che Seishin ("Complete Seal Sacred Heart") Of late, Kyrill has felt called to Judaism.
2- Onkai Laurie Zolas (joined our Forum in August 2015, was Ordained as a Novice Priest in Training in 2022, and received Dharma Transmission in April 2025)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/member.php?15118-Onkai
or
lauriezzz2002[a]yahoo.com
Onkai lived most of her adult life in New York City, where for many years she was an administrative assistant. She completed a Bachelor's degree at Lehman College in the Bronx in 2010 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in 2009. She began practicing sitting and Metta meditations with some books by Thich Nhat Hanh. Then she explored several Buddhist organizations in New York City before practicing with the Village Zendo. After she moved to North Carolina with her mother, it was difficult to get to a Zen center because of distance, so she was glad to find Treeleaf.org through an advertisement in a magazine. It is important to her to make sure that Treeleaf is a safe place to practice and join in the conversations.
3- Myogan Dr. Marc Connery (joined our Forum in August 2015)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://forum.treeleaf.org/member/15114-myogan
or
Marcs.net[a]comcast.net
Dr. Marc Connery is a medical school graduate of the University of Illinois, with special focus on preventative care and family medicine. From there he completed his pediatric residency and subsequently attained Board Certification in Pediatrics. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
4- Meishin John Hesley (joined our Forum in May 2014)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://forum.treeleaf.org/member/14525-meishin
John Meishin Hesley is a retired psychologist in Arlington, Texas. He has a master’s degree in theology, a Ph.D. in experimental psychology, and formerly was an ordained Presbyterian minister. He was in private practice as a clinical psychologist for 45 years during which he provided psychological services to adults, adolescents and children, specializing in assessment and testing. He is a published author and has presented mental health workshops and seminars throughout the United States. Meishin joined Treeleaf in 2014 and received the precepts in 2015. He had previously practiced at Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas, Texas. At present he facilitates a sitting group in Arlington. He is married and has a son and a daughter and three grandsons.
5- Shujin Chris Armel (joined our Forum in February 2010, and was Ordained as a Novice Priest in Training in 2023)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://forum.treeleaf.org/member/12434-shujin
or
Shujin Chris Armel csarmel[a]gmail.com
Shujin is a retired police officer, now a middle school math teacher for students with disabilities.
6- Jinyo Paula Burns (Jinyo/Willow, joined our Forum in January 2012)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/member.php?12764-Jinyo
or
paulaburns[a]btinternet.com
Jinyo writes, "I am now retired having trained as a psychotherapist in the 1980s. I worked in private practice and also as a counsellor in the prison service. My work required a high standard of ethics and sensitivity to issues of confidentiality. I have a deep commitment to the principles and life ethics of Buddhism, and to being an active member of Treeleaf Sangha."
7- Amaury Cruz (Outside Member)
Email: amaurycruz[a]yahoo.com
Amaury Cruz was born in Havana and arrived in the U.S. unaccompanied in 1961 at the age of 13. A bilingual writer, attorney, translator, and photographer, he holds a B.A. in Political Science from SUNY-Binghamton and a J.D. from FSU. A former journalist and editor for The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald. From 1991 to 2015 he practiced intellectual property law, earning an AV rating for ethics and professionalism. His Soto Zen practice began in 1995 under Roshi Philip Kapleau.
8- Rev. Gustav Ericsson (Outside Member)
Email: gustav.ericsson[a]svenskakyrkan.se
Rev. Gustav Ericsson is a Christian priest in the Lutheran Church of Sweden. After being ordained in 2010, he served as a hospital priest at the regional University Hospital of Umea in northern Sweden and at a hospice for palliative care. He is especially trained in pastoral counseling for crisis and grief, and one of his main interests is the meeting of meditation practice with pastoral care. He has practiced and studied Zen since the mid 1990’s and in 2004 received Dharma transmission from Japanese Soto Zen teacher Gudo Nishijima Roshi. Since 2010, he has also served as a counseling priest with the Lutheran Church’s national suicide prevention hotline.
TO CONTACT -ALL- MEMBERS OF THE TREELEAF ETHICS BOARD SIMULTANEOUSLY, USE THIS EMAIL ADDRESS: ethics-committee@treeleaf.org
.
Treeleaf Zendo, a Soto Zen Sangha
A compassionate standard of behavior is expected from everyone who participates in Treeleaf Sangha. This standard is based on respect for each person as a unique expression of Buddha Nature, without regard to age, gender, ethnic and cultural background, religion, appearance, sexual orientation, physical abilities, political beliefs, social class, or occupation. Inappropriate action is harmful to ourselves and others. It may include verbal or physical violence, sexual misconduct or harassment, drug and substance abuse leading to harm to others or illegal conduct, malicious gossip, extreme or regular displays of anger, insults or demeaning comments, and manipulative or duplicitous speech, stalking, defamation, fraud or misuse of funds or property, or like actions which cause harm.
Guided by the Bodhisattva Precepts and our Vow to Benefit All Beings, our Treeleaf Priests shall endeavor to maintain appropriate communication and behavior in relation to others at all times. Helping our Sangha members and all sentient beings and avoiding harm is our wish. However, sometimes, harms and wrongs may occur despite our ideals, and people may act in ways they should not. In such cases, Sangha members and others who feel that a harm or wrong has happened to them should be able to make a claim to our Ethics Committee, seeking correction and resolution.
The Grievance Procedure
(1) Contacting Committee Members: If any Sangha member or other person (an "Aggrieved Party") feels that they have suffered a harm or wrong based upon unethical words or actions of a Treeleaf Priest or Priests (a "Subject Priest") and they cannot, or feel it inappropriate to, work out the matter privately with the Subject Priest, the Aggrieved Party may raise the matter by contacting one or more members of our Treeleaf Ethics Committee (the "Ethics Committee"), explaining the situation. The current members of the Ethics Committee are listed below, and an Aggrieved Party should feel free to contact any or all of them.
(2) Attempting Informal Resolution: The contacted Ethics Committee members will agree among themselves on one or more among themselves (each an "Ethics Representative") to then informally, and privately, gather further information from the Aggrieved Party and the Subject Priest, seeking to work out an amicable resolution agreed to by both the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest. If such an amicable solution can be found, the matter shall be deemed closed. Only with the consent of the Aggrieved Party, an Ethics Representative may also contact any Transmitted Priest of our Sangha, requesting information, advice and support in amicably and privately resolving the matter. Only with the consent of the Aggrieved Party and the Subject Priest together, an Ethics Representative may contact and seek information from any other persons but otherwise shall not do so at this stage in order to preserve confidentiality. In unusual and especially sensitive cases, where necessary to protect the privacy of the Aggrieved Party, the Ethics Representative can seek amicable resolution without disclosing the identity of the Aggrieved Party to the Subject Priest.
(3) Formal Complaint When No Informal Resolution: If no amicable resolution can be found which is satisfactory to the Aggrieved Party (or if one or more of the Ethics Representatives feel that a matter is so serious that it should be addressed formally by the full Ethics Committee without attempting or waiting for amicable resolution), any one or more of the Ethics Representatives shall be obligated to present the matter to the full Ethics Committee (a "Formal Complaint"), notifying both the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest that they are doing so. However, except in a most extreme case as adjudged by the Ethics Representative, the consent of the Aggrieved Party shall first be obtained before proceeding to make the Formal Complaint to the full Ethics Committee.
(4) Content of Formal Complaint: The Formal Complaint shall be made by one or more of the Ethics Representatives in writing (via email), attaching when possible a statement in writing by the Aggrieved Party, directed to all members of the full Ethics Committee setting out the general nature of the complaint, the identity of the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest, that amicable resolution was attempted including general details of discussions, and the fact that amicable resolution was not successful (or that, in the opinion of the Ethics Representative, the matter is so serious that it should be addressed by the full Ethics Committee without waiting for amicable resolution.) In unusual and especially sensitive cases, where necessary to protect the privacy of the Aggrieved Party, the identity of the Aggrieved Party shall only be disclosed to members of the Ethics Committee who are under an independent professional obligation to maintain confidentiality (e.g., licensed lawyers, mental health professionals, medical doctors and clergy who are bound by such an obligation. Even so, without consent of the Aggrieved Party, the Ethical Representative shall attempt to minimize disclosure of their identity when confidentiality is needed. ) If the Aggrieved Party has expressed a desired outcome regarding the matter, that outcome shall be described in the Formal Complaint. The Subject Priest shall also be afforded the right and opportunity to present a written statement to the full Ethics Committee at the outset of these procedures.
(5) Investigation of Formal Complaint: All decisions of the Ethics Committee shall require affirmative "yes" approval by a majority of all unrecused members of the Committee. (In the event of a tie, a proposal shall be deemed rejected as worded.) The Ethics Committee can select one member from among themselves to shepherd the matter (the "Chairperson"). At any point in time after receiving the Formal Complaint, a majority of the Ethics Committee can vote to end further investigation and action if it appears clear to them on the face of the Formal Complaint that there was no ethical breach. Or, a majority of the Ethics Committee can instead vote to select one or more of the Ethics Committee's members (each an "Investigating Member," who may include, but not necessarily, an Ethics Representative or the Chairperson) to proceed to gather further information, speak to the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest to hear their explanations, and to interview outside witnesses identified by the Aggrieved Party and/or Subject Priest. The Investigating Member shall summarize gathered information in writing (email) addressed to all members of the Ethics Committee. If any two (2) members of the full Ethics Committee request, the Aggrieved Party, the Subject Priest or any outside witness shall be invited to (but shall not be obligated to) appear separately in video meetings with the full Ethics Committee to explain their viewpoints and to answer questions from Ethics Committee members ("Testimony"). A recording of the Testimony video meeting shall be made with consent of the testifying person for later viewing by members, including any member who was unable to attend the meeting live (However, the recording shall be deleted promptly after final closing of this matter as described below.) A refusal by the Aggrieved Party or a Subject Priest to provide requested information may be considered significant in terms of reaching a conclusion on the validity of the complaint. If any two (2) members of the full Ethics Committee request, the Committee may consult with outside experts who bear a professional duty of confidentiality (e.g., licensed lawyers, mental health professionals or medical doctors), but even in such case, shall avoid to disclose the identity of the parties involved without the consent of such party or any identifying information in making such a consultation.
(6) Recommendations and Resolution: Upon receipt of the report of the Investigating Member, a majority of the full Ethics Committee can vote to end further investigation and to take no further action, finding no ethical breach and no situation in need of remedy. Or, if a majority of the full Ethics Committee so approve, they can recommend in writing to the Transmitted Priests of Treeleaf Sangha (but not including any such Priest who is a Subject Priest in the matter) the taking of disciplinary measures up to and including verbal warning and reprimand, temporary suspension or permanent dismissal from this Sangha, and possibly further including dismissal from the Priesthood. In extreme cases, contacting law enforcement authorities can be recommended (although the consent of the Aggrieved Party shall be first obtained before doing so in all but the most extreme cases.) The recommendation of the Ethics Committee may also include other measures suggested to be taken, such as outside ethics courses, inviting of outside parties to investigate the matter and recommend a response, consultation with legal or other experts, or tightening of rules and standards within Treeleaf Sangha. The Transmitted Priests of this Sangha shall be obligated to follow the recommended measures of the Ethics Committee in the matter, provided however that, with the agreement of 2/3rds or more of the Transmitted Priests (but not including a Subject Priest), a lesser or alternative course of action can be undertaken in the matter.
(7) Notice of Recommendations and Resolution: Upon a majority vote of the full Ethics Committee to end the matter, to take no further action or upon a remedy and other courses of action being recommended by the Ethics Committee (or a lesser or alternative course being decided by 2/3rds or more of the Transmitted Priests), the full Ethics Committee shall thereupon inform the Aggrieved Party and Subject Priest in writing (email) of the final determination to end the matter without further action or of any recommendations made by the Ethics Committee, including steps which shall now be taken (as well as, when occurring, the fact that 2/3rds or more of the Transmitted Priests, not including a Subject Priest, shall have nonetheless voted to undertake a lesser or alternative course of action.) The content of the written notice shall -not- be publicly posted to the full Treeleaf Sangha forum, provided however that the Aggrieved Party shall have the right to request that the written notice be posted to the full Treeleaf Sangha forum, or may choose to do so themself. All members of the Ethics Committee shall otherwise hold all learned information, discussions in the course of deliberations, as well as personal or others' opinions regarding the matter in strict confidence and shall not disclose the same to anyone except to other Ethics Committee members (provided however, this shall not include the rare and extreme case in which a member or members of the Ethics Committee feel that outside consultants, lawyers or other experts or law enforcement must be notified of a matter).
(8) Closing of Matter: Upon the foregoing determination by a majority of the Ethics Committee to end a matter without further action, or upon the undertaking or completion of the measures recommended or determined pursuant to (7), the matter shall be deemed closed.
Standards for Resolution by the Ethics Committee
Because situations are so varied, whereby it is impossible to set out fixed standards and rules that will cover all situations in their complexity, each member of the Ethics Committee, in seeking resolution, shall bear in mind and employ their own common sense and experience, professional training and education, knowledge of societal standards, their understanding of our Precepts and general standards of ethical conduct and, most importantly, the interests of the Aggrieved Party and (where innocent, or in the case of a minor, non-repeated and appropriately self-reflected upon and amended offence by which justice and fairness are thus served) the Subject Priest as well, together with the interests of our entire Sangha and all its members. Even if a member of the Ethics Committee has positive or negative personal feelings or a friendly relationship with a party to a matter, as might be expected in a small community such as our Sangha, they shall attempt in their deliberations and recommendations to put aside those feelings and sentiments unrelated to the matter, and shall act neutrally and impartially in judging the matter. Transmitted Priests will be afforded the benefit of the doubt in their decisions regarding general management of the Sangha, except where clearly an ethical violation. Of course, always speak respectfully, compassionately, honestly but gently with others even when matters might become passionate. Any member of the Ethics Committee deemed a subject of investigation shall not participate in deliberations and voting on any matter regarding the investigation, and shall be recused, and the matter shall be handled by the remaining members only. If a majority of Ethics Committee members are deemed to be subjects of investigation, a special committee of uninvolved persons shall be established by majority vote combined of all non-subject Ethics Committee members and Transmitted Priests. Deliberations among the members of the Full Ethics Committee can be in writing and/or by video meeting, or a combination, as they individually decide.
Sexual Relationships and Communications
No romantic, dating or sexual relationship shall be allowed between any Ordained priest (whether Unsui novice, Senior or Transmitted Priest) and a non-Ordained member of Treeleaf Sangha or of any other Zen group which the priest leads or facilitates. No Ordained priest shall either initiate or encourage romantic or sexual communications with such a non-Ordained person. However, such a relationship shall be permissible only after six (6) months shall have lapsed from the time of the Ordained priest and/or the non-Ordained member fully ending any situation in which it appears that the priest may be guiding the non-Ordained member in Zen or Buddhist practice in any way.
Confidentiality
Private conversations with ordained Priests are best considered communication with clergy and should be kept confidential by the priest except in unusual circumstances involving the health and safety of an individual, preventing a crime or compliance with law. Particularly sensitive matters involving the well-being of members of this Sangha can be discussed in confidence among the ordained Priests themselves when necessary.
Ethics Committee
A committee consisting of two Priests from Treeleaf, two or more respected general (lay) members and one or more independent outside members shall be established. Given the primarily online nature of our sangha in which the conducting of an election of the total membership will be difficult, the members (including any replacement member) will be nominated by the Priests then presented to the full membership of Treeleaf Sangha by a posting. The nominee will be deemed appointed unless written complaints regarding an appointment are received within one week from such posting in our Forum from any ten (10) or more general members requesting that the person not be appointed, in which case the person will not be eligible for membership on the committee. A member of the Ethics Committee can be removed at any time (e.g., for reasons including their inability to serve due to health, unreachability, an ethical breach on their part, or other like serious grounds) by majority vote of the remaining Ethics Committee members -or- vote by 2/3rds or more of the Transmitted Priests of this Sangha. In seeking members of the Ethics Committee, candidates for nomination shall be sought who seem to have a reputation, personally or professionally, of trust and honesty, and where possible, some professional or other expertise in law, mental health issues or the like, that will be helpful to the work of the committee.
The current members of the Treeleaf Ethics Committee are:
1- Denis Kyrill Esposito (joined our Forum in October 2009, but currently independent and outside)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/memb...12372-Kyrillos
or
frkyrill[a]comcast.net
Kyrill was formerly a Monk of the Benedictine Order, now retired as an ordained Byzantine Catholic priest after serving over 40 years. He has long sought to find the common between the Christian religion and Buddhist practice, and thus underwent Shukke Tokudo ordination in a Chan Buddhist Lineage (not affiliated with Treeleaf) at the Lotus Zen Temple, becoming a monastic of the Order of the Lotus Blossom, in the Chan lineage of Hui Neng, where he was given the ordination name Yin Che Seishin ("Complete Seal Sacred Heart") Of late, Kyrill has felt called to Judaism.
2- Onkai Laurie Zolas (joined our Forum in August 2015, was Ordained as a Novice Priest in Training in 2022, and received Dharma Transmission in April 2025)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/member.php?15118-Onkai
or
lauriezzz2002[a]yahoo.com
Onkai lived most of her adult life in New York City, where for many years she was an administrative assistant. She completed a Bachelor's degree at Lehman College in the Bronx in 2010 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in 2009. She began practicing sitting and Metta meditations with some books by Thich Nhat Hanh. Then she explored several Buddhist organizations in New York City before practicing with the Village Zendo. After she moved to North Carolina with her mother, it was difficult to get to a Zen center because of distance, so she was glad to find Treeleaf.org through an advertisement in a magazine. It is important to her to make sure that Treeleaf is a safe place to practice and join in the conversations.
3- Myogan Dr. Marc Connery (joined our Forum in August 2015)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://forum.treeleaf.org/member/15114-myogan
or
Marcs.net[a]comcast.net
Dr. Marc Connery is a medical school graduate of the University of Illinois, with special focus on preventative care and family medicine. From there he completed his pediatric residency and subsequently attained Board Certification in Pediatrics. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
4- Meishin John Hesley (joined our Forum in May 2014)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://forum.treeleaf.org/member/14525-meishin
John Meishin Hesley is a retired psychologist in Arlington, Texas. He has a master’s degree in theology, a Ph.D. in experimental psychology, and formerly was an ordained Presbyterian minister. He was in private practice as a clinical psychologist for 45 years during which he provided psychological services to adults, adolescents and children, specializing in assessment and testing. He is a published author and has presented mental health workshops and seminars throughout the United States. Meishin joined Treeleaf in 2014 and received the precepts in 2015. He had previously practiced at Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas, Texas. At present he facilitates a sitting group in Arlington. He is married and has a son and a daughter and three grandsons.
5- Shujin Chris Armel (joined our Forum in February 2010, and was Ordained as a Novice Priest in Training in 2023)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://forum.treeleaf.org/member/12434-shujin
or
Shujin Chris Armel csarmel[a]gmail.com
Shujin is a retired police officer, now a middle school math teacher for students with disabilities.
6- Jinyo Paula Burns (Jinyo/Willow, joined our Forum in January 2012)
PROFILE & PRIVATE MESSAGE: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/member.php?12764-Jinyo
or
paulaburns[a]btinternet.com
Jinyo writes, "I am now retired having trained as a psychotherapist in the 1980s. I worked in private practice and also as a counsellor in the prison service. My work required a high standard of ethics and sensitivity to issues of confidentiality. I have a deep commitment to the principles and life ethics of Buddhism, and to being an active member of Treeleaf Sangha."
7- Amaury Cruz (Outside Member)
Email: amaurycruz[a]yahoo.com
Amaury Cruz was born in Havana and arrived in the U.S. unaccompanied in 1961 at the age of 13. A bilingual writer, attorney, translator, and photographer, he holds a B.A. in Political Science from SUNY-Binghamton and a J.D. from FSU. A former journalist and editor for The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald. From 1991 to 2015 he practiced intellectual property law, earning an AV rating for ethics and professionalism. His Soto Zen practice began in 1995 under Roshi Philip Kapleau.
8- Rev. Gustav Ericsson (Outside Member)
Email: gustav.ericsson[a]svenskakyrkan.se
Rev. Gustav Ericsson is a Christian priest in the Lutheran Church of Sweden. After being ordained in 2010, he served as a hospital priest at the regional University Hospital of Umea in northern Sweden and at a hospice for palliative care. He is especially trained in pastoral counseling for crisis and grief, and one of his main interests is the meeting of meditation practice with pastoral care. He has practiced and studied Zen since the mid 1990’s and in 2004 received Dharma transmission from Japanese Soto Zen teacher Gudo Nishijima Roshi. Since 2010, he has also served as a counseling priest with the Lutheran Church’s national suicide prevention hotline.
TO CONTACT -ALL- MEMBERS OF THE TREELEAF ETHICS BOARD SIMULTANEOUSLY, USE THIS EMAIL ADDRESS: ethics-committee@treeleaf.org
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