Safe & Healthy Church Training

Safe Church training is grounded in our call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being. This training provides an opportunity to enhance our ability to live out our Baptismal Covenant within our communities of faith and in the world beyond.

What we talk about at Safe Church:

• Prevention, identification and response to abuse
• The Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth
• Power and Boundaries in a ministerial relationship with adults
• How to respond to misconduct within a community of faith
• The Diocesan Sexual Harassment Policy
• Guidelines for a Healthy Church Ministry
  

Safe Church certification is required of all clergy, employees of the diocese, Licensed Eucharistic Visitors, and those who regularly volunteer in diocesan programs for children and youth. Safe Church Training is required within three months of employment, and before a volunteer can begin diocesan youth or children’s ministry.

Re-certification is required every three years. For those required to be recertified in 2010 (those who last attended in fall 2007), a modified program will be available for you. This schedule will be published in the fall of 2010.

The Diocese of RI also strongly encourages Safe Church Training for all paid church staff members, all lay ministers whether paid or volunteer, all church school teachers, and others involved in Christian formation. Each church has the discretion to develop its own requirements regarding training of laity.

Please note: This training may be eligible for continuing education credit at your place of employment. You are advised to check with your employer before attending the training session.

Upcoming Trainings