The Vernon United Methodist Church affirms the resolution adopted by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church in April 1996, which is aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. The adopted resolution includes the following statement:
"God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong "*. The first priority of every adult in adult/child situations is the health, safety and well-being of the children involved. Under all circumstances, adults are expected to treat all children as the gift from God that they are.
The consequences of abuse can be severe. There are no "norms" regarding the effects on the child. The consequences depend on the severity and frequency of the abuse, the age of the child, and the manner in which the case is handled. There may be little or no physical or emotional damage or it may be extensive. The cost of legal defense can be extremely costly and prolonged, whether the suit is successfully defended or not. Beyond the financial consequences, an abuse lawsuit can have a major effect on the church's reputation and can lead to considerable distraction from the church's ministry. Relationships can be strained if members take sides in support of or against the originators of a lawsuit. These consequences should be avoided at all reasonable cost.
Definition:
The definition of child abuse varies by state. According to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), child abuse is any child or youth (under the age of eighteen) who has a non-accidental physical injury, or injuries, which are at variance with the history given of such injuries, or is in a condition which is the result of maltreatment such as, but not limited to, malnutrition, sexual molestation, deprivation of necessities, emotional maltreatment or cruel punishment. Generally, in the eyes of the law, sexual abuse includes any contact or interaction between a child or adult in which the child is being used for the sexual stimulation of the adult or another person. Ritual abuse refers to abusive acts committed as part of ceremonies or rites. Ritual abusers are often related to cults, or pretend to be.
This definition of Child Abuse is the basis for this Safe Sanctuary Policy.
Purpose:
Our congregation’s purpose for establishing this Safe Sanctuary Policy and its accompanying implementation and operational procedures is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth. Therefore, as a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, we pledge to conduct the ministry of the gospel in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth as well as all of the workers with children and youth.
Procedures
We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of workers. We have implemented prudent operational procedures in all programs and events and will educate all who work with children and youth regarding the appropriate policies and methods (including first aid). We have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to State and Church laws.
The Vernon United Methodist Church will not retaliate against any person who brings forth a legitimate complaint of child abuse. All staff leaders and members are expected to immediately report any knowledge of suspected abuse, wherever it has occurred. Prompt and appropriate investigation and corrective action will be taken, including discipline, when appropriate. Persons who make false accusations will also be subject to disciplinary action, when appropriate.
While the Church cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality, it will make every reasonable effort to maintain confidentiality by disclosing information about the complaint only on a "need to know" basis and as necessary to comply with state and Church law and to promote God's call for justice, reconciliation, and healing.
Anyone who has any questions or concerns about this policy is encouraged to share them with the Pastor, the Chair of the SPPRD, the Lay Leader, or the Chair of the Church Council.
(From The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church-1996, Copyrighted in 1996 by the United Methodist Publishing House, used by permission (Par. 384-386)
Approved by the Church Council on June 6, 2004 and on our website, http://www.vumc-ct.org/. Full 32-page copies are available upon request.
The space for this web site has been provided courtesy of the General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church.