Safe Church, Safe Communities

Revised January 2021

Diocesan Administrator: Amy Mellies
Intake Officer: The Rev. Kris Leaman

In February 2020 a group consisting of William Graham, William Smith, Rev. Kris Leaman, and Amy Mellies worked to adapt the model policy which was passed at General Convention in 2018. On January 9, 2021 the Board of Directors for the Diocese of Iowa approved an adapted version of this policy. The policy consists of three segments: Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Children & Youth, Vulnerable Adults, and Pastoral Relationships.


Online training for Safe Church, Safe Communities is available. New courses will be available at the beginning of January 2022. Contact the administrator in your congregation for login information. If your congregation does not have an administrator, the person in charge of your congregation should select someone to serve in that role, and then contact the diocesan office. We will then send that person instructions. Due to the overwhelming request for new login information, the diocesan staff is unable to set up users for congregations.

Safe Church, Safe Communities – New Safe Church Courses Launching

As reported in a News Release July of 2021, the new Safe Church, Safe Communities modules have begun to be added to the new Praesidium Academy. The Task Force has created nine new modules that are available now.

  1. Introduction and Theological Background *

  2. Organizational Rules & Policies *

  3. Healthy Boundaries *

  4. Power & Relationships

  5. Abuse and Neglect *

  6. Inclusion *

  7. Pastoral Relationships *

  8. Anti-harassment

  9. Bullying *

    * Available now within Praesidium Academy


Training and Webinars

The Task Force is now working on creating the train-the-trainer courses that will be hosted both online and in person throughout 2022. More information will come as it is available.

Safe Church, Safe Communities training is required of any person who engages in, supervises or makes decisions involving pastoral relationships including, but not limited to, Diocesan Standing Committee, Board of Directors, Commission on Ministry and congregational vestry members; clergy; anyone providing counseling, pastoral care, spiritual direction or guidance, ministration of any sacrament; licensed ministers such as pastoral leaders, worship leaders, preachers, Eucharistic visitors and catechists; persons in the ordination process and all paid employees.

Contact the administrator in your congregation for login information. If your congregation does not have an administrator, the person in charge of your congregation should select someone to serve in that role, and then contact the diocesan office. We will then send that person instructions. Due to the overwhelming request for new login information, diocesan staff is unable to set up users for congregations.

 

Episcopal Diocese of Iowa Policies and Procedures for Children, Youth Vulnerable Adults, and Pastoral Relationships