Change in Standing Rule VI.C. -
Safe Sanctuaries for Children
Passed as Amended in Plenary, June 12, 2004.
WHEREAS, One of the most important duties of local churches is ministry to children which, as outlined in 11118.1include "Sunday school and vacation Bible school, weekday ministries for preschool and elementary ages, fellowship and neighborhood groups, Scouting ministries, and short-term studies and activities within and outside the church facilities"; and
WHEREAS, This duty to care for our little ones carries with it the awesome responsibility to provide a setting for them that is as free from all dangers as possible; and
WHEREAS, "Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church" is a title of a book, a goal for each church, an expectation of all parents and children, the duty of all adults, and the policy of this Annual Conference.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Standing Rules be amended by adding a new paragraph VI C as follows:
C. Safe Sanctuaries for Children
- Each Local Church shall have in place policies and procedures to protect children and youth from abuse, neglect, and sexual misconduct following the Safe Sanctuaries resource booklet.
- Each local church shall submit their policies and procedures to their District Office and the Conference Children's Ministries Council by their regularly scheduled Charge Conference in 2005.
- Advise children and young persons of an agency or a person outside as well as within the local church whom they can contact for advice and help if they have suffered abuse;
Diane C. Olson, Chair
Children's Ministries Council
Laura Dean Friedrich, Chair
Task Force on the Bishops' Initiative on Children & Poverty