Diocese Announces 2017 Safer Church Training Dates
All clergy, lay employees and volunteers authorized to work with populations vulnerable to abuse, or in situations considered high-risk for sexual misconduct, are required to obtain Safer Church certification within their first six months of service.
Safer Church, a program in effect throughout the Episcopal Church, is grounded in the call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” and “respect the dignity of every human being,” as outlined in our Baptismal Covenant. Honoring Our Relationships, the title of the training curriculum, is a proven approach to building a safer church community.
The Diocese offers a six-hour Safer Church certification program for all who serve the church. Topics include:
- Power and boundaries in adult ministerial relationships
- Prevention, identification and response to elder abuse
- Prevention, identification and response to sexual abuse of children and youth
- Diocesan policies and response to misconduct within a community of faith
To follow is the schedule of upcoming Safer Church certification dates. Each session begins at 9:00 AM, however, participants are asked to arrive by 8:30 AM to get settled in, enjoy tea or coffee, and ensure a prompt start.
Safer Church Certification Training
Saturday, May 20, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Colchester, Vt.
Saturday, June 10, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
St. James Episcopal Church, Arlington, Vt.
Saturday, September 23, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Christ Episcopal Church, Montpelier, Vt.
Saturday, October 21, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, St. Albans, Vt.
Register online:
https://form.jotformpro.com/50365047404954
Please note that Safer Church re-certification is required every three years. A half-day recertification training is offered for all those who have completed the initial certification training course within the last five years. Dates for recertification training will be announced soon.
Safer Church is grounded in the call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” and “respect the dignity of every human being,” as outlined in our Baptismal Covenant.
Please contact one of the following with questions:
Lynn Bates (lbates@dioceseofvermont.org)
Peggy Mathauer (margaretmathauer@comcast.net)
Stan Baker (stannard.baker@btrpsychotherapy.com)