Keeping our Churches Safe from
Sexual Misconduct

Jesus Christ calls us to loving relationships that are healthy and helpful to each other. The obligation to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being is binding for all the baptized. Educating and empowering the people of our diocese is central to creating and maintaining churches and activities that are safe for everyone.

 

In our Diocese, we have policies in place to protect children and youth from abuse and adults from sexual exploitation and sexual harassment. We use a training program produced by the Church Pension Group in partnership with Praesidium, Inc.: Safeguarding God’s Children and Safeguarding God’s People. To learn more or schedule your trainings, don't hesitate to get in touch with Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator, Heather Davis.

 

Who is required to take Safeguarding Training?

• All clergy whether stipendiary, non-stipendiary, or otherwise who are engaged in ministry or service to the church

• All persons who teach, supervise or assist with supervising children or youth in ministries, programs or activities more often than occasionally

• All paid or volunteer Church Personnel whose work regularly takes them throughout the facility or grounds

• All persons who provide transportation to children or youth without other adults in the vehicle more than occasionally

• All vestry members or members of similar decision-making groups who have the authority to approve the creation of ministries, programs or activities for children or youth.

​​

Below you will find the resources you need to help prevent sexual misconduct.

​

Safe Church Policies

There are several policies guiding the church in right relationships with children of all ages.

• Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth 

• Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation

• Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults

 

Safe Church Trainings

There are two principle trainings that create and maintain a safe environment in our faith communities for people of all ages: Safeguarding God’s Children and Safeguarding God’s People. Safe Church Training is hosted by our Episcopal partner, Praesidium Academy, which provides online modules to learn, reflect and discern ways that create and maintain a safe environment in our faith communities for people of all ages: Safeguarding God’s Children and Safeguarding God’s People.

• Safeguarding God’s Children and Safeguarding God’s People ONLINE training

​​

Background Checks

The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina has contracted with a company called Secure Search Faith to conduct background checks. Learn more here.​

 

Additional Resources

• Model policy for parishes

• Sample application for employees or volunteers

• Guidelines for Social Media

• Screening Checklist – who needs a background check and what type

• Training Checklist – what type of training