Responsibility for this Policy

The Rector has overall responsibility for the administration of this policy within the church he/she leads and for providing all reports requested by the Diocese. In the absence of a Rector, the Priest- in-Charge, Lay Leader, or the Senior Warden will be responsible. Duties may be delegated, except in those areas specifically delineating action by the Rector.

Diocesan Policy on Child Abuse

The Diocese will not tolerate any form of child abuse involving our clergy, lay employees, volunteers or other persons. Everyone who serves the church through educational, pastoral, recreational or other activities is expected to maintain the highest biblical standards in relationships with those to whom they minister, avoiding any form of misconduct against children. That commitment extends to sexual behavior.

No one in the employ or volunteer service of the Diocese or its churches who has a civil or criminal record of child abuse, or who has admitted committing prior sexual abuse of a child, will be permitted to serve with children or youth.

We are also committed to providing pastoral care to all involved with, and/or affected by, instances of child abuse. Pastoral care grows out of Christ-centered relationships and proceeds with an awareness of the spiritual and emotional needs of both the individual and the community. It may include providing guidance, support, consolation, and even confrontation in an effort to minister as we believe God would desire.

Child Abuse Defined

Child abuse, in practical terms, refers to an act committed by a parent, caregiver or person in a position of trust (even though he/she may not care for the child on a daily basis) which is not accidental and which harms or threatens to harm a child’s physical or mental health or welfare. Each state and the District of Columbia has its own definition of what constitutes “child abuse” under civil and criminal laws, and each church in the Diocese should be familiar with the relevant laws and legal definitions in its jurisdiction. In general, the definitions of “child abuse” and “child neglect” in all states in our Diocese include the following elements (among others):

• Physical abuse

• Neglect (both physical and mental)

• Sexual abuse/Exploitation

We make the full Child Protection Policy available upon request to our Rector, Cn. Phil Ashey.