Training for a Safer Church

September 18, 2010, at St. Michael's, Brattleboro

December 18, 2010, at St. Luke's, St. Albans

Watch this page for future 2010 dates, or check with Lynn Bates for updates.

Training begins at 8:45 am and ends at 3:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Plan to bring lunch, and please register with Iris Darling (adminasst@dioceseofvermont.org) so we can be sure to have sufficient materials available.

The church is meant to be a place of safety, sanctuary, respect and Christian love for all people. The Diocese of Vermont offers a training program for all who serve the church, particularly clergy, lay leaders and those who work with children and youth, to increase awareness of the issues of power and authority involved in church leadership and of the means for preventing abuse of power and authority.

While the focus of the training is on those ways power, authority and trust are misused in a sexual way, any abuse of power is a violation of the Baptismal Covenant to "respect the dignity of every human person."

Diocesan Policy
The Diocese of Vermont strictly prohibits sexual misconduct of any type by any ordained person (deacon, transitional deacon, priest or bishop) canonically resident or functioning in the Diocese of Vermont, or any employee or volunteer authorized to perform work or provide services within the church.

All clergy and lay employees of the church, and all volunteers authorized by the Vestry and clergy person in charge to work on behalf of the congregation in situations that are considered high risk for sexual misconduct (such as church school, individual counseling, youth programs, etc.) will be required to complete and sign an application form which specifically includes a request for personal references, information concerning any prior adjudication in regard to sexual misconduct, and acknowledgment of the church's right to conduct a confidential background check.

Within the first thirty days of employment or assignment, newly elected vestry members and all persons engaged in high risk areas of service will be required to sign a statement indicating that they have read and understand, and intend to comply with, the Diocese of Vermont Policy and Procedures Relating to Sexual Misconduct.

Within the first six months of employment or assignment, all clergy and employees must receive a minimum of six hours of training on issues of sexual harassment and exploitation and the prevention and detection of child sexual abuse in church settings. All persons engaged in high risk areas of service must additionally participate in this training. All such training must be provided or approved by the Province of New England.

For information on training, contact Anne Brown, 802-672-5250, or abrown@dioceseofvermont.org.

Download PDF file: Complete Diocese of Vermont Policies and Procedures Relating to Sexual Misconduct

Download a PDF file: Diocese of Vermont Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Children and Youth (Note: this is a November 2008 revision that needs final approval from Diocesan Council.)

Download PDF file: Education for a Safer Church Training Manual (225KB)