Safeguarding ADOC Churches
In a world where the vulnerable continue to be exploited, the Church must take action in safeguarding the physical, emotional and spiritual health of every person in its care. To help equip congregational leaders, we’ve provided the following guidance for church-wide protection.
Children/Youth Protection
Each parish in our diocese is required to take responsibility to ensure the safety of our children and youth. Our rectors are responsible for the administration of the diocesan policies with regard to safeguarding our children and youth.
On the link below is our Child/Youth Protection Policy Manual which describes in detail the screening, training and monitoring of clergy, staff and volunteers who work with our young people. Additionally, the policy includes the appropriate response and reporting procedures that should be followed should an allegation comes forward.
Clergy Misconduct
The Canons of our church, both provincial and diocesan, provide clear expectations and guidance for the discipling of our clergy, including sexual misconduct, the abuse of power and other inappropriate conduct.
Additionally, the diocese requires periodic (two year cycle) background checks and training for clergy sexual misconduct provided by The Lewis Center for Church Leadership (see below).
In the event of an accusation presented to the bishops of ADOC (bishops@adoc.church), the Canons provide for a process of inquiry, investigation and potential trial by our diocesan Ecclesiastical Court.
ADOC'S Church Safe Training For Our Leaders
Because the Church must take action in safeguarding the physical, emotional and spiritual health of every person in its care:
Every two years by November 30, churches will complete a Certificate of Compliance, indicating they have fulfilled all three Safe Church Training requirements. They will then be in compliance for the following two years.
MINISTRY SAFE ONLINE TRAINING Ministry Safe provides a 5-Part Safety System to protect children and those who serve them in churches and child-serving organizations.
KEEPING OUR SACRED TRUST ONLINE TRAINING Keeping Our Sacred Trust online training to help prevent clergy sexual misconduct from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KEEPING OUR SACRED TRUST ONLINE TRAINING HERE
BAC
KGROUND CHECKS Both Criminal and Sexual Predator Checks are run.
