Dear Members of The Episcopal Church in Central Pennsylvania,
From the earliest days of the church, we know that Christ followers were dedicated to the idea of community, knowing that “when two or three were gathered” (Matthew 18:20), Christ would be in the midst of them.
The Book of Acts traces some of the early development of the Christ Community. In Chapter 2, we read: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2: 42)
Today, we place the same emphasis on the importance of community in our Christian practice. We gather to worship together, to break bread, to study and for fellowship. In all that we do, we strive to maintain a safe and wholesome environment where all are welcomed, and all are treated as neighbors and siblings.
The work of our Safe Church, Safe Communities program in the Episcopal Church sets the standards for creating safe communities and trains those who are leaders in the church for creating safe spaces and maintaining healthy practices.
The last time that our diocese reviewed and adopted Safe Church guidelines was in 2018. There is now a new set of standard policies that our wider church body has developed; we are asked to adopt them as updated policies for our churches.
The Model Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth and Model Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults are the latest version from The Episcopal Church and represent the “minimum” or “floor” of what is expected in each of our churches. They were created by a Task Force appointed by our Presiding Officers of the Church (The President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop) and have been sanctioned by The General Convention. These polices have also been reviewed by our diocesan Council of Trustees and will be formally received by the Council at its June 2025 meeting. These policies may be enhanced by a parish, adding requirements to them, but their requirements may not be diminished.
In addition to implementing these policies, each parish is required to audit its compliance with the policies on an annual basis using an audit form. We recommend that this audit be done and included each year in the annual meeting reports of each parish. A final copy of the audit form will be published at a later date, however, the draft audit form is available for your review.
The diocesan staff wants to ensure that our congregations are well prepared to adopt these updated policies by August 31, 2025. To that end, please note the schedule of the policy implementation:
- Form goes live to receive questions and feedback – April 2025
- Zoom meetings for questions and feedback (see below) – May 2025
- Policies brought to the Council of Trustees for final approval – June 2025
- Parishes adopt or adapt the policies – by August 31, 2025
Moving forward, these policies will be available on Praesidium, and individuals will read and approve as they complete their Safe Church, Safe Communities training. Parishes will complete self-audits annually, with the Diocese conducting an audit every three years.
Please complete this feedback form to submit your comments and questions online.
Canon Micalagh Moritz, our diocesan Safe Church Administrator, will be hosting a Zoom meetings (Step 2) on the following dates:
Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m. Register
Thursday, May 15, 12 p.m. Register
Please make note of these meetings and come with your questions and comments, or reach out to Canon Moritz.
With appreciation for your careful attention to this work –
In the Way of Love,
The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan
Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania
