Trinity United Methodist Church is a “Safe Sanctuary” Church

“Safe Sanctuary” is a program initiated several years ago by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Its primary focus is to assure that children and youth in our care are sheltered from any incident of sexual, physical or emotional abuse.  This program is being implemented nationally by every Conference, District and local church within the Methodist Connection.  Prior to implementing the detailed procedural aspects of “Safe Sanctuary” Trinity had already established a policy and procedures to provide the same safeguards to our staff employees as well as to all members and participants in our fellowship.

As a “Safe Sanctuary” church we have pledged ourselves to conduct the ministry of Jesus Christ in all ways that ensure the physical and emotional safety and spiritual growth of our children and youth, as well as our staff and volunteers who work with them.  In implementing these initiatives we have significantly enhanced policy, procedural and physical aspects of building security, emergency procedures, procedures for hiring staff and selecting volunteers who work with children or youth (including background checks) as well as certain aspects of our nursery operations.  We are committed to a process of continuous review and improvement of appropriate operational procedures in all areas of Trinity’s ministries to ensure the care, protection, health and safety of our children and youth.  We have implemented awareness and training programs on policies and procedures for our paid staff and volunteers who work with  children and youth as well as our lay leadership.  We have a clearly defined procedure for reporting suspected incidents of abuse consistent with The United Methodist Book of Discipline.

Rest assured, Trinity United Methodist Church is fully committed to the demonstrated love of Jesus Christ, so that each child and youth will be “surrounded by steadfast love…established in the faith and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal”. (Baptismal Covenant II)