2019 Safe Church Training Schedule
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 Safe Church certification within their first six months of service.
Safe 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 Safe Church certification dates. Attendees are asked to arrive on time for tea or coffee and a prompt start.
Safe Church Certification
March 23, Saturday, 8:45 am to 3pm- St. Luke’s, Chester
April 13, Saturday, 8:45 am to 3pm- St. John’s, Randolph
June 22, Saturday, 8:45 am-3:00 pm- All Saints, South Burlington
September 14, Saturday, 8:45 am-3:00 pm- St. Michael’s, Brattleboro
October 19, Saturday, 8:45 am to 3pm- St. John’s in the Mountains, Stowe
Register online:
HTTPS://FORM.JOTFORM.COM/50365047404954
Please note that Safe Church re-certification is required every three years. A half-day re-certification training is offered for all those who have completed the initial certification training course within the last five years. If you have questions about the upcoming certification dates or would like to inquire about re-certification, please contact: Canon Lynn Bates (lbates@dioceseofvermont.org)