The guiding principle of Safe Church is to protect the vulnerable and to offer us, as Episcopalians, the opportunity to be good neighbors to one another. The Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes commits to creating safe environments, especially for children, youth, and vulnerable adults, from sexual, physical, and/or personal abuse or exploitation.
As part of the policies and procedures for the Diocese of the Great Lakes, all people who engage in pastoral relationships must do the following:
1. familiarize themselves with the diocesan Safe Church policies;
2. complete Safe Church training every three years;
3. submit to a background check every five years.
These resources give dioceses and parishes across the church the tools necessary to ensure that the most vulnerable among us find an Episcopal Church community of faith that is welcoming and safe. They will give our communities a vocabulary for discussing the issues of sexual misconduct and harassment, and assist in and teach all of us healthy boundaries and loving ways to interact with the children and other adults in our midst. This will further the crucial mission of transforming all of our churches into truly safe spaces for God’s beloved children.
The Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes is committed to keeping all people safe in our churches and community spaces, and all ministries are to comply with this program.