This summer, the Diocesan Council adopted new Safe Church, Safe Communities policies for the Diocese of Chicago, following the model policies created by The Task Force to Develop Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies & Safe Church Training of The Episcopal Church. These policies are a welcome update, including inclusive language, greater accountability, and recognition of the need to safeguard vulnerable adults as well as children.

With the new churchwide policies came the need to create new training modules to accompany the policies. Eight new training modules, developed by the Safe Church office and available through Praesidium Academy, cover everything from the theological background of Safe Church, to healthy boundaries, to bullying. All clergy and lay staff are being asked by the Bishop’s Office to complete the new training, regardless of when they completed the old training, and to renew their training every three years.

Congregations will also need to adopt their own congregational Safe Church Safe Communities policies, and will be required to complete an annual Safe Church Self Audit every March to show they are in compliance with training and screening protocols, as well as documentation and response. To assist in the documentation and auditing process, rectors, vicars and wardens are asked to complete this online form designating the primary Safe Church contacts from their congregations.

The Safe Church, Safe Communities page on the diocesan website has been updated with the new policies and training information. If you have further questions, please contact Rebecca Elfring-Roberts at 312.751.6726.