Safe Sanctuary

Safe Sanctuary

Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes (a) child…welcomes me.”

We celebrate that children and youth are full participants in the life of Epworth United Methodist Church and in the realm of God. A sign posted outside our sanctuary declares Epworth to be a place “Where Your Children Are Special.”

As a community of Christian faith we are called to offer welcome, hospitality, education, spiritual growth opportunities and support to all children and youth. We seek to be faithful to that trust, and we acknowledge that it takes active commitment of the whole congregation to assure the physical safety and spiritual care of all our children and youth.

God calls us to be a church where children, youth and adults can grow in a safe community. When a child is baptized, we promise “With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” These policies and procedures are an effort to further that promise.

Abusive behavior or neglect, by any of us toward any one of us, puts all of us at risk. Epworth is committed to being a holy place, an open place, a safe place in which all people can experience the love of God.

Adopted by Church Council, June 21, 2005