As the new year begins, we are all eager to put the Covid-19 pandemic behind us. But perhaps we should be less eager to forget some of the lessons the pandemic taught us, especially about the importance of community and the immeasurable value of our relationships with each other. We have felt...
We train leaders in our organizations to establish safe standards of behavior for ministry and to create a “village” of watchful eyes that make it less likely that misconduct can occur unnoticed. As we know, however, misconduct can be difficult to detect, and it can target people in...
Dear Safeguarding Community, Thank you for your agility and creativity this past year in adapting Safeguarding policies to virtual platforms as we gathered online for worship, fellowship, and learning. The Wellness and Care team appreciates your faithful efforts to protect the members of your...
As you know, members of Vestries and Bishop's Committees and other governing boards no longer need to be certified in SGP. The 2020 policies require only that these "Decision-Makers" be trained in the SGP policies. In January, we promised to provide guidance and resources on how to meet this...
Peace and grace to you in these unsettling times. For many years, we have used CDs from Praesidium to train in Safeguarding God's Children and in Safeguarding God's People. Fortunately, people are much more aware now of the need to prevent sexual abuse and sexual exploitation in churches than...
Practicing wellness means reaching for abundant life despite the limitations or disabilities that we cannot control. No matter our age, we are called to love and serve with the fullness of our being. Wellness ministries encourage our communities to seek wholeness and balance by tending to their...
Like the rest of Diocesan staff, the Wellness and Care Team members are following Bishop Doyle’s directions to work from home to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, we are well equipped by the Diocese to work remotely and are fully available by email or telephone to provide...
You're invited to review and share the revised safeguarding policies for 2019. They have been re-organized, clarified, and automated. Although there are no major substantive changes, it is important to refer to the current year's version for clarification and training purposes. Safeguarding in...
Wellness in our congregations, schools, and other diocesan organizations includes setting healthy boundaries in our behavior with one another as prescribed in our Safeguarding policies and in the disciplinary canons for clergy, but it goes far beyond "what not to do." As we approach the Feast...