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Mission Statement - We, the Body of Christ, the Church, are called by God to invite all people into our midst to share the Gospel message. We are committed to provide tried and tested measures to continue to insure a setting in which that sharing can take place with confidence. The Diocese of Central New York will provide the materials and resources needed to assist our parishes and organizations to become safe havens against harassment and sexual exploitation.
Goals & Objectives - We recommend and encourage all people, paid staff, parishioners and volunteers to consider being trained. We exist to train diocesan and congregational leaders in the principles of safe church ministry. If every adult could protect one child, each will change one life and together make a difference in this generation of children. We will help all members be clear about the standards which make the church a safe place. The more educated "eyes" available, the safer our churches will be for all children, youth and adults.
There are three aspects of the Safe Church Ministry: training; promotion of good standards, policies and procedures; and response to incidents that occur.
The Program - The Diocese of Central New York offers the following opportunities for training in prevention of child abuse and adult sexual misconduct:
Section IA - Safeguarding God's Children - Using the Church Pension Fund Program of Safe Guarding God's Children for parent and Congregations and Safe Guarding God's Children for Ministries. We encourage everyone to receive this training.
Section IB - Power and Boundaries - Dealing with Adult Sexual Misconduct issues of power and covenants. This sections applies to all adults.
Section II - Elder Abuse - Helping people to recognize and deal with elder abuse. Designed for Eucharistic Visitors and others doing ministry with older persons.
Section III - Youth and Youth Leaders - For those in 6th grade and above, who will be trained every year in boundaries and violations, grooming signs and warning signs of sexual abuse.
We encourage all clergy, lay employees and volunteers who regularly supervise children and youth to have training in the prevention of child abuse and sexual misconduct by attending Section IA. We also encourage everyone to attend the training for the prevention of adult sexual misconduct by attending Section IB. Sections IA and IB compromise our Safe Church Training Program and both sections are required to receive certification.
Section II is geared for Eucharistic Visitors and those who have contact with the homebound and nursing home residents. All Youth Leaders are required to attend Section III every year until they are 16 years of age. All youth are encouraged to attend Section III.
There will be two training sessions in each District during the year; one during the fall and the other during the spring. Training is valid for five years at which time certification should be renewed.
Anyone wishing to be a Safe Church Trainer is asked to contact The Very Rev. John R. Martinichio at Christ Church, Binghamton: 607-722-2308.
For every trained pair of eyes we have in our churches one more child is protected. The risks and liabilities are the duty of every Vestry and parishioner to assume. How will you protect your brothers and sisters?
Safe Church Prayer
O Lord, we are told in the book of Daniel of the rape of Suzanna, and of the way in which those who were responsible sought to blame her for what happened. We are reminded that the sin of sexual misconduct has been a part of human families and communities since the earliest of times. Since you trust us so much that you place into our hands the safety and welfare of the church's most important treasure, its children, and all its members, give us a will to make the church a truly safe place for people to gather, and give us the wisdom to meet such misconduct head on. As leaders in your church, we are entrusted with a tremendous responsibility. Grant us your spirit, that we may be effective in this, and other aspects of our important role in your church; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Parishes wishing to do a background verification on a volunteer or paid person can download a Disclosure and Authorization form HERE or on the Forms page under the diocese.
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