https://www.awfumc.org/files/websites/www/Safe+Sanctuaries+Policy+2024.pdf

https://www.awfumc.org/awfsafesanctuaries

Safe Sanctuaries is a comprehensive policy and ministry commitment designed to prevent the abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults within church programs, activities, and facilities.

At Providence United Methodist Church, we believe that creating a safe and welcoming church community is part of who we are called to be. Every person who walks through our doors, especially children, youth, and those who may be particularly vulnerable, deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, care, and compassion.

Safe Sanctuaries provides the framework that helps us put that commitment into practice. It establishes clear expectations and procedures for those who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults, including appropriate screening, training, supervision, boundaries, and responses to concerns or allegations of abuse.

This information is important because safety is everyone’s responsibility. Safe Sanctuaries is not simply a set of rules for our staff or volunteers; it is a shared commitment among our entire church community to foster environments where people can learn, worship, grow, serve, and build relationships free from abuse and neglect.

We make our Safe Sanctuaries policies available because transparency matters. Parents, guardians, participants, volunteers, and members of our community should be able to understand the practices we have established to protect those entrusted to our care. We want you to feel confident asking questions, raising concerns, and knowing what to expect when participating in ministries at Providence.

Our commitment to safety extends beyond simply responding when something goes wrong. We believe prevention matters. By establishing healthy boundaries, providing appropriate training, and creating a culture where concerns are taken seriously, we can work together to help ensure that Providence is a place where everyone is safe, valued, and able to experience the love of Christ.

We invite you to review our Safe Sanctuaries policies and resources above. If you have questions or concerns about our policies or practices, please contact the church office or a member of our pastoral staff.