Safe Sanctuaries

Safe Sanctuaries is more than guidelines, policies and procedures implemented to create an environment in which children, youth and the adults who work with them have boundaries of safe space. Safe Sanctuaries is an overt expression of a congregation in making a congregation a safe place where children and youth may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith.

In 1996 The General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. The 2004 General Conference readopted the resolution.

The North Texas Conference implemented a Safe Sanctuary Policy for Conference and District Events in 2007. Legislation is being submitted to the 2008 Annual Conference requiring all congregations to adopt Safe Sanctuary Policies that fit the needs of their individual setting and membership.

Connectional Ministries Staff will be available to assist congregations in development and implementation of congregational policies.

FUMCi Specific Guidelines

It is such a privilege to work with children. As a church, there are things we can do to make everything done at the church a safe & positive experience for both children & adults. Everyone must understand how to “avoid the appearance of evil” as well as avoiding anything inappropriate in the way we behave with one another & with children. Our Annual Conference has adopted some guidelines. Everyone who will work with children under 18 years of age must participate in a yearly training on “Safe Sanctuary Practices” and be certified as such.

Any details such as the churches policy for Safe Sanctuary will be posted soon when the committees have approved the verbiage.

Working With Children Guidelines

If you will be working with children under 18 years old at VBS or Sunday School or anywhere in this church, you MUST
 

	attend the Safe Sanctuary training.
	be a member of this church
	be OVER 18 years of age
	submit to a background check

These are the main rules for those are to be in a position of authority or management of activities for children, youth (under 18) and the elderly. For any extended details or information, please contact Joy Turner, Director of Christian Education.

Downloads:

North Texas Conference Policy - implemented by FUMCi
2008 Safe Sanctuaries Legislation to Annual Conference
NTC Safe Sanctuary Policy Paper
North Texas Conference Local Church Policy Template
Local Church Self-Evaluation Form