Safe Church, Safe Communities

The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona is committed to maintaining a safe environment that is free of exploitation, harassment and abuse of any kind in its churches, schools, and any of its institutions. The Diocese requires that its clergy, lay employees, and church workers make the same commitment. 

Christ Church of the Ascension and the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona utilize the Church Pension Group(CPG) online children, youth, and vulnerable adult abuse awareness and prevention education training entitled Safe Church, Safe Communities. This training is provided in short, focused courses that can normally be completed in 30-45 minutes each. These courses can be taken from any location where a high-speed internet connection is available. Online training provides for more accurate recordkeeping of training completion.

As required by our NEW Policy for the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults, all paid employees, church workers (non-paid volunteers or non-paid ministry staff), and clergy persons (licensed or canonically resident in the diocese) are required to take this approved exploitation, harassment, and abuse training within 30 days of when they are hired. All volunteers who have regular contact with children and youth are also required to take Safe Church, Safe Communities training before working with children. 

Safeguarding God’s People: Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workers training should be taken before new employees start work. If that is not possible, it must be discussed, and training completed within 30 days of when they are hired.

Supervisors and decision makers must complete Safeguarding God’s People: Preventing Sexual Harassment for Managers and Supervisors training within 3 months of becoming a supervisor or decision maker.

Safe Church, Safe Communities modules must be completed before a person can participate in any ministry activity that involves the development of a pastoral care relationship.

Please contact Shana Halpin at shana.halpin@ccaaz.org or visit www.azdiocese.org/safechurch for more information about the program and diocesan policies.