Safe Sanctuary Policy
The Administrative Board of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (SPUMC) has approved implementing a Safe Sanctuary Policy as of Jan. 1, 2011. Ministry leaders have spent many months in developing a plan that will help ensure the protection of our children, youth and vulnerable adults, as well as those who volunteer to work with them. We as a church have a responsibility to do all we can to assure parents that St. Paul’s is a safe place for their children. In addition, we also have a responsibility to teach each worker how to create and maintain that safe environment.
The purpose of the policy is to help prevent the opportunity for abuse or the appearance of abuse of children, youth and vulnerable adults by:
- Providing a safe and secure environment for children, youth, adults, members, volunteers, visitors, and paid staff.
- Assisting SPUMC in evaluating a person’s suitability to supervise, oversee and/or exert control over the activities of Protected Persons.
- Satisfying the concerns of parents and staff members with a screening process for paid staff, volunteers and helpers.
- Providing a system to respond to alleged victims of abuse and their families, as well as the alleged perpetrator.
- Reducing the possibility of false accusations of abuse made against paid staff, volunteers and helpers.
The policy reflects our congregation’s commitment to preserving this church as a safe and sacred place for all who enter its doors so all can experience the love of God through relationship with others.
Our Safe Sanctuary Policy can be found below and is available to parents or guardians of Protected Persons at the church office upon request.
