Safe Church: Protecting the Vulnerable

Supporting Safe Churches in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire

Many thanks to our church communities for promoting a safe and healthy church climate in our diocese.

The Safe Church Program of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire has three major components – policies, training, and background checks. The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire adopted the Model Policies of the Episcopal Church in 2019. Church leaders are responsible for knowing and following these policies.

If you have any questions about Safe Church policies, or if there is an incident or concern in your community, please do not hesitate to contact Safe Church Minister, Alex Dunford

or the Diocesan Coordinator George Swenson.

STEP ONE: Safe Church Policies

The Episcopal Church is deeply committed to fostering communities and congregations that are safe spaces for all people, particularly those who may be vulnerable in some way, to worship and minister generously, free of any form of harassment, bullying, abuse, or exploitation.

To that end, the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire has adopted the Episcopal Church model policies for the Protection of Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults.

Knowing these policies is the first step. Begin by reading them, online or where they are publicly posted in your church community.

The Model Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth is HERE.

The Model Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults is HERE.

STEP TWO: Safe Church Training

Connect to the Safe Church learning system “Praesidium Academy”: CLICK HERE 

Training Courses: Safe Church training consists of four core modules that anyone required to be Safe Church trained will need to take, as well as two additional modules for vestry members and two additional modules for pastoral care providers. These modules will need to be completed every three years to stay up to date with Safe Church training. 

Core Courses for all individuals requiring Safe Church Training are: 

  • Safe Church, Safe Communities: Universal Training: Introduction & Theological Background 

  • Safe Church, Safe Communities: Universal Training: Organizational Rules & Policies 

  • Safe Church, Safe Communities: Specialty Training: Abuse & Neglect 

  • Safe Church, Safe Communities: Specialty Training: Bullying 

In addition to the core courses, vestry members are also required to complete the following modules: 

  • Safe Church, Safe Communities: Universal Training: Inclusion 

  • Safe Church, Safe Communities: Specialty Training: Power and Relationships 

In addition to the core courses, volunteers who provide pastoral care (such as Stephen’s Ministers, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, etc.) are also required to complete the following modules: 

  • Safe Church, Safe Communities: Specialty Training: Pastoral Relationships