Safe Church

Click on the links to jump to programs on this page.

Sexual Abuse Prevention in our Diocese

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
(Safeguarding God's Children)

Adult Misconduct Prevention
(Safeguarding God's People)

Workshop Schedule

Sexual Abuse Prevention Training in the Diocese of Maryland

The Diocese of Maryland requires the successful completion of a training course in child sexual abuse prevention for all clergy, lay employees, and anyone who regularly supervises children. This training must be completed within the first 6 months of service. It is suggested that lay Sunday School teachers participate in the training and we invite and encourage all adults who make decisions about or participate in programs for children to complete the training.

Training Requirements and Policy Handbook

A chart detailing the training and background check requirements and the Safe Church Policy Handbook may be downloaded in Adobe PDF format by clicking the links below.

Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions about our safe church policies.

Safeguarding God's Children

Safeguarding God's Children is designed to compel adults to consider issues of emotional and physical safety for children in their charge, and to be able to consciously create a sacred space where healthy behaviors are practiced between adults and children. The workshop also provides education in designing programs that nurture these behaviors, as well as comply with the specific Diocesan standards identified in Standards of Behavior, Safety & Inclusion.

The workshop is approximately 3 hours in length, and works well when offered as a 4-hour class with breaks, snacks, or a meal included.

The workshop is available to parishes at cost from the Diocese, e.g. we will only charge what is necessary to cover the cost of space rental, materials, refreshments, etc. For more information about the Safe Church program, contact the Rev. Canon Stuart Wright or call the Diocesan Center (410) 467-1399.

As workshops are scheduled around the Diocese, they will be posted here to allow others to take advantage of offerings near them. To register for a workshop or to see about scheduling a workshop at your parish, please contact Adam Barner at abarner@episcopalmaryland.org or call the Diocesan Center (410) 467-1399.

Prevention of Adult Misconduct Training
(Safeguarding God's People)

This training is required for all clergy, aspirants, and lay employees (excluding clerical and maintenance workers) who have not previously attended a training session. Those needing training should contact the Rev. Canon Stuart Wright at (410) 467-1399 for information.

Workshop Schedules

Click here for the Safeguarding Workshop schedules