Why Safe Sanctuary?
In 2008, at its Annual Conference, the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist church asked every member church to develop policies and procedures to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in its ministries and facilities.
It's an uncomfortable topic that no one likes to think about. Unfortunately, sexual predators often target churches because other child-friendly organizations like scouts, youth athletics, and schools have already implemented policies to screen out potential abusers.
The biggest hurdle to overcome in a church setting is the mentality that "We're a family. It can't happen here." Sadly, it can - and it does. Someone I considered a friend at our previous church is now a registered sex offender. He was well-dressed, well-educated, and well-loved by the youth of the church. He was part of "the family." He was also exploiting children.
Friendship takes seriously the call to keep our children safe from harm. In 2008 under the leadership of Greg Montgomery, a Safe Sanctuary Team was organized and, after researching the issues, a policy was drafted. The policy, which is periodically reviewed and updated, is designed to help us keep our children safe from sexual, physical, and verbal abuse. All volunteers and staff that work with children must submit to background checks and adhere to the standards set forth in the policy.
But to make Friendship a truly safe sanctuary for kids, we all must be involved. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should always be looking out for one another, especially those least able to protect themselves. Anyone can and should talk to a Safe Sanctuary Team member (Greg Montgomery, Betty Elliott, or Carole Butler) or one of the pastors immediately if he or she is uncomfortable with how a child is being supervised or treated.
Together, we can keep Friendship a warm, loving and safe community for all of God's children.
Friendship's Safe Sanctuary Policy
You may access a copy of Friendship's Safe Sanctuary Policy by clicking here.
In 2008, at its Annual Conference, the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist church asked every member church to develop policies and procedures to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in its ministries and facilities.
It's an uncomfortable topic that no one likes to think about. Unfortunately, sexual predators often target churches because other child-friendly organizations like scouts, youth athletics, and schools have already implemented policies to screen out potential abusers.
The biggest hurdle to overcome in a church setting is the mentality that "We're a family. It can't happen here." Sadly, it can - and it does. Someone I considered a friend at our previous church is now a registered sex offender. He was well-dressed, well-educated, and well-loved by the youth of the church. He was part of "the family." He was also exploiting children.
Friendship takes seriously the call to keep our children safe from harm. In 2008 under the leadership of Greg Montgomery, a Safe Sanctuary Team was organized and, after researching the issues, a policy was drafted. The policy, which is periodically reviewed and updated, is designed to help us keep our children safe from sexual, physical, and verbal abuse. All volunteers and staff that work with children must submit to background checks and adhere to the standards set forth in the policy.
But to make Friendship a truly safe sanctuary for kids, we all must be involved. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should always be looking out for one another, especially those least able to protect themselves. Anyone can and should talk to a Safe Sanctuary Team member (Greg Montgomery, Betty Elliott, or Carole Butler) or one of the pastors immediately if he or she is uncomfortable with how a child is being supervised or treated.
Together, we can keep Friendship a warm, loving and safe community for all of God's children.
Friendship's Safe Sanctuary Policy
You may access a copy of Friendship's Safe Sanctuary Policy by clicking here.
Safe Sanctuary Volunteer & Paid Staff Online Training
Directions for volunteers and paid staff:
To be eligible to work with or drive the children and youth of the church, annually you must watch the Safe Sanctuary Video and take the Safe Sanctuary Quiz.
Please go to this link to view our Safe Sanctuary video Friendship UMC Safe Sanctuary Video
After viewing the Safe Sanctuary video please visit Safe Sanctuary Quiz to take the quiz.
Safe Sanctuary Volunteer & Paid Staff Forms
Directions for volunteers and paid staff:
If you have never been background checked by Friendship UMC, complete and turn in the Background Information Form. If you have previously been background checked by FUMC, you will be notified if you need to resubmit the Background Information Form.
You must also annually complete and turn in the Laity Sexual Misconduct form and, if you will be driving children or youth, annually complete and turn in the Private Vehicle Use form.
Background Information Form here
Laity Sexual Misconduct Form here
Private Vehicle Use Form here
Additional Safe Sanctuary Forms
Youth Permission Form (required for children and youth participating in off-campus church activities) here
Emergency Information Form (required for children, youth, and adults participating in off-campus church activities) here
Report of Suspected incident of Abuse Form (to be completed by a Safe Sanctuary Team member) here
Safe Sanctuary Team Members
Pastor Byron Brought
Pastor Donald Stewart
Carole Butler
Betty Elliott
Greg Montgomery
Directions for volunteers and paid staff:
To be eligible to work with or drive the children and youth of the church, annually you must watch the Safe Sanctuary Video and take the Safe Sanctuary Quiz.
Please go to this link to view our Safe Sanctuary video Friendship UMC Safe Sanctuary Video
After viewing the Safe Sanctuary video please visit Safe Sanctuary Quiz to take the quiz.
Safe Sanctuary Volunteer & Paid Staff Forms
Directions for volunteers and paid staff:
If you have never been background checked by Friendship UMC, complete and turn in the Background Information Form. If you have previously been background checked by FUMC, you will be notified if you need to resubmit the Background Information Form.
You must also annually complete and turn in the Laity Sexual Misconduct form and, if you will be driving children or youth, annually complete and turn in the Private Vehicle Use form.
Background Information Form here
Laity Sexual Misconduct Form here
Private Vehicle Use Form here
Additional Safe Sanctuary Forms
Youth Permission Form (required for children and youth participating in off-campus church activities) here
Emergency Information Form (required for children, youth, and adults participating in off-campus church activities) here
Report of Suspected incident of Abuse Form (to be completed by a Safe Sanctuary Team member) here
Safe Sanctuary Team Members
Pastor Byron Brought
Pastor Donald Stewart
Carole Butler
Betty Elliott
Greg Montgomery