5Safe Sanctuary Policy Soapstone United Methodist
Introduction
The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in April 1996, adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. The adopted resolution includes the following statement: Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a child…welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:5). Children are our present and our future, our hope, our teachers, and our inspiration. They are full participants in the life of the church and in the realm of God….
Purpose
Our congregation’s purpose for establishing this Safe Sanctuary Policy and accompanying procedures are to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth.
Training
Each staff member and volunteer who works with children, youth, or vulnerable adults in our congregation must be trained in our Safe Sanctuary policy and procedures annually, typically in August/September, and must pass a background check every 24 months. Find the signup for Fall 2024 Safe Sanctuary trainings below, as well as all necessary forms for staff and volunteers.
Upcoming Safe Sanctuary Trainings for 2025:
6/8 – 9:45 am in 108/110
7/18 – 4 pm in 108/110
8/20 – 6:30 pm in 108/110
8/24 – 9:45 am location TBD
8/26- 6:30 pm in 108/110
Sign up here. (You only need to sign up for one)
Forms and Policies
Find the Soapstone UMC Safe Sanctuary Volunteer Application here. For Fall 2025, everyone needs to complete a new Volunteer application, even if you have done one in the past.
Find the Safe Sanctuary Incident Report here.
Read the full Safe Sanctuary Policy here.