Safe Sanctuary Policy

The Administrative Board of St Paul's United Methodist Church (SPUMC) has approved implementing a Safe Sanctuary Policy. Approved and implemented on January 1st, 2011, the policy has been updated frequently since then. Ministry Leaders have spent much time developing a plan that will help ensure the protection of our children, youth, and vulnerable adults, as well as those who volunteer to work with them. We have a responsibility to do all we can to assure parents that St. Paul's is a safe place for their children. We also have a responsibility to teach each worker how to create and maintain a safe and secure environment.

The purpose of this policy is to help prevent the opportunity for abuse, or appearance of abuse, of children, youth, and vulnerable adults by:

1.  Providing a safe and secure environment for children, youth, adults, members, volunteers, visitors, and paid staff
2.  Assisting SPUMC in evaluating a person's suitability to supervise, oversee, and/or exert control over the activities of protected persons
3.  Satisfying the concerns of parents and staff members with a screening process for paid staff, volunteers, and helpers
4.  Providing a system to respond to alleged victims of abuse and their families, as well as the suspected perpetrator
5.  Reducing the possibility of false accusations of abuse made against paid staff, volunteers, and helpers

The policy reflects our congregation's commitment to preserving this church as a safe and sacred place for all who enter its doors, so that all may experience the love of God through relationships with others. A copy can be obtained by emailing the church office at office@stpaulsbrick.org