Safe Church
The Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin works to make for a safer church. This includes education for church workers and responding appropriately to alleged incidents of abuse or misconduct.
The Episcopal Church’s Safe Church, Safe Communities Policy
"The Church is called to be a sanctuary for all people, a place where safety, respect, and care are paramount."
Policies
Background Checks
Online Courses
The Episcopal Church provides Model Policies for the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults for download at episcopalchurch.org/safe-church/model-policies. Additional resources are at episcopalchurch.org/safe-church/resources.
The Episcopal Dioceses of Wisconsin Policies and Procedures are in the process of being revised and are expected in March 2025.
The Diocesan Office works with Praesidium to process low cost background checks for employees and volunteers. To learn more or request a background check be made, email mike@diowis.org.
You play a vital role in keeping your church a safer place. Praesidium Academy modules provide online courses on proper boundaries to create a safer church and community. To establish a user account to take online courses from Praesidium Academy, please email Deacon Terry Garner (dcnterry.g@gmail.com) who will provide instructions.
Be prepared to take each module by creating conditions for learning without interruption or distraction. Plan 15-20 minutes for each module. Take your time and read carefully to fully understand content. Absorb what you’ve learned and complete each module completely in one sitting. Best practice is to take a few modules in each learning session.
Safe Church, Safe Communities Series:
Introduction & Theological Background
Abuse & Neglect
Bullying
Healthy Boundaries
Inclusion
Organizational Rule & Policies
Pastoral Relationships
Power and Relationships
The modules needed to complete will depend on the role of the volunteer or employee at the church. A list of available modules is provided below for your information:
Safety:
Keeping Your Church Safe
Keeping Your Day Camp Safe – Church workers who work with a day camp or similar program (for example Vacation Bible School).
Keeping Your Overnight Camp Safe – Church workers who work at an overnight camp setting (for example, counselors, support staff).
Social Media Safety
Safeguarding God's People: Preventing Sexual Harassment for Managers & Supervisors
Safeguarding God's People:Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workers
Abuse & Reporting:
Abuse Prevention Refresher
Abuse Risk Management for Volunteers
Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter
Preventing Sexual Activity Between Young Children – Church workers who work with children/youth serving programs (for example, Sunday School teachers, nursery workers).
Recognizing Abuse & Exploitation in Elder Serving Programs – Church workers who work with elder serving programs (for example, Eucharistic Visitors).