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Making our Churches SAFE for ALL
Covenant AssociationMichigan Conference
United Church of ChristOctober 17, 2004
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Starting here…
We want to protect our children!
Headlines
How can this happen in the church???
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Making the Church a SAFE SPACE
The meaning of “SANCTUARY”
Partners in creating sacred space
When do we feel truly safe?
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Safety is our journey together Seeking Sanctuary
Understanding healthy boundaries
Talking about safety in the church
Taking steps to reduce risks Broadening the scope-
hospitality in a safe space
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Covenant for Safety
Have real, caring conversations about issues of safety – then…
•Agree on policy guidelines•Educate, educate, educate
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You have some guidelines
Financial Policies Audits Procedures Volunteer selection
Responsibility assigned for: facilities, grounds, equipment,
insurance…
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You may need to add policies… To protect vulnerable others
counselees
children and youth
To prevent misuse of power by leaders (recognized or informal)
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When starting out….
Expect resistance-
it is normal
Arrange for CARE Stats say many
have been affected
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Congregational Conversation
While planning, anticipate issues which may arise for others
Use workshops to explore issues before presenting policies
Talk about boundaries: how do we know what is “OKAY” with kids- and one another?
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Why talk about Boundaries? Discussing personal boundaries helps
us know when touching is OK- and not
It helps heighten our awareness of leaders with inappropriate boundaries
It helps the congregation build trust while developing these policies
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What are healthy boundaries?
Fences and neighbors
“No Trespassing” meant: use care
Cell boundaries: flexible = health
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Boundaries are….
Determined by the individual we are not all the same about
what makes us feel safe
Determined by the situation some situations are higher risk, or
the stakes are higher
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Maintaining Boundaries
Can be confusing- we want to
trust one another
We need to be sensitive to others’
reactions….
And share our own
understandings
Be aware: Power relationships
affect boundary maintenance
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Power in roles and relationships Some roles have a power
imbalance:
Teacher/student Supervisor/employee Parent/Child Pastor/member Counselor/Counselee _____/_____
(Pastors have several of these roles)
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Other factors: Power /vulnerability
Age, Gender, Race, Sexual orientation
Physical size, strength, ability
Economic status
Intellectual resources
Social resources
Life circumstances (stable vs. crisis)
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Power Paradox
People who are (or feel) powerless in some ways….
can sometimes…
Abuse the power they actually do have
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Power and Boundaries
The person with the power (pastor, teacher, parent, counselor, etc.)
is always responsible
for maintaining safe, healthy boundaries.
Policies and guidelines are written to reinforce this behavior
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General Policy Areas Criteria for employment or volunteer
work-selection, disclosures, training
Guidelines to safeguard kids: who is with them, how, when?
Procedures for reporting abuse
Responsibilities and enforcement
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Policy Development
Criteria for employment or volunteer work Selection
Job descriptions including criteria (experience, age) Interviews
Disclosures Application Agreement with Policies Voluntary history and/or Criminal Background check
Training Who What How often
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Policy Development
Who works with children and youth? Approved teachers Other categories of volunteers?
Rules for travel and overnight trips Toileting procedures How to discipline Parental involvement Training of parents, children, others “Codes of Behavior”
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Policy Development Procedures for reporting abuse
Who will receive (designate, train) Reporting to outside authorities Train congregation re: reporting
Address fears of false reports How will reports be communicated Identify support for all involved Decision-making Communication, including outcomes
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Approval by Congregation
Congregation votes- after plenty of discussion and orientation
Consider changes needed to Constitution, Bylaws to include in vote
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Implementation
Policy identifies those responsible for
Implementation Enforcement and oversight
And responsibility and schedule for review of adherence
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Create a climate of awareness Success depends on promoting
and following policies
Use bulletin boards, newsletters, sermon connections
Maybe a slogan emphasizing
SANCTUARY
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Beginning Resources Making our Churches Safe for All-
www.ucc.org (has resource section)
by Joy Thornburg Melton: Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Child
Abuse in the Church Safe Sanctuaries for Youth: Reducing the
Risk of Abuse in Youth Ministries
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Remember….
Expect resistance- it is NORMAL
Arrange for TLC
Share experiences with other churches on this journey
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Beyond the basics… Safe spaces for emotional openness
and spiritual growth: Building trust
WHO is welcomed and made to feel safe? Christian hospitality
Can we talk? Allowing and nurturing difficult conversations
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Doing Justice
Issues some congregations address:
the epidemic of child abuse and neglect
sexual and domestic violence
Look for community partnerships
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A Partner in Justice Work
FaithTrust Institute www.faithtrustinstitute.org
Printable resources and catalog
2400 N 45th Street #10Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 634-1903Fax: (206) 634-0115Email:[email protected]
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Sexuality and our Faith
Our Whole Lives - Sexuality and our Faith Sexuality education resources Values: self worth, sexual health, responsibility,
justice and inclusivity Kindergarten age through senior high youth Awareness of personal space and relationships
that may be detrimental, harmful. May be used by teachers who have attended
trainings. Contact 216-736-3718, or go to
www.ucc.org/justice/owl/ for further information