THE CHURCH'S COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING OUR CHILDREN
Children are embraced by our Lord in special blessing, "for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 19:14).
Within The Episcopal Church, we commit ourselves to honor the immense gift of children to families and to the church community. As Christians, we are called to recognize the special status of children, and recognize the responsibility that we all share in their nurture and protection. By keeping our children safe we can empower them to grow, receiving and responding to God’s love.
In 2003, The General Convention of the Episcopal Church called for the development the Safeguarding God’s Children program. Since implemented, SGC mandates all dioceses and churches to adopt a proactive approach for the prevention of abuse sexual abuse of children and youth, in everyday life and in ministry.
All employees and all volunteers who work with children and youth in any ministry setting in the Convocation are required to complete the SGC training program. Free online training using the curriculum “Safeguarding Our Children” is now available for use by congregations in the Convocation. For details on the child-protection training, please contact the Convocation office.