Safe Sanctuary

The General Conference of the United Methodist Church in April 1996 adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. Thus, in covenant with all United Methodist congregations, we adopt this policy for the prevention of child abuse at Concord United Methodist Church.

 

 

Concord United Methodist Church’s purpose for establishing this Safe Ministry with Children and Youth policy and duly-adopted procedures is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth.

 

 

As a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, Concord United Methodist Church pledges to conduct the ministry of the gospel in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all our children and youth as well as all the workers with children and youth. Concord United Methodist Church will follow reasonable procedures in all programs and events; will educate all who work with children and youth regarding the use of appropriate policies, procedures and methods; will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirements of state law and will be prepared to respond to media inquiries if an incident should occur. It is the policy of Concord United Methodist Church to provide all children and youth a safe and secure atmosphere to encourage the spiritual growth of children, youth and those adults who are called to work with children and youth.

 

In all of our ministries with children and youth, this congregation is committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ, so that each child and youth will be “surrounded by steadfast love … established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” (United Methodist Hymnal, page 44).