What is Safe Sanctuaries?
Recognizing the growing threat of child abuse and its presence even among God’s own people, the 1996 General Conference adopted a resolution on “Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in the Church” which states, “God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong.” Safe Sanctuaries is the movement and initiative to fulfill this call upon us – to make our churches safe places for the young and the vulnerable and those in ministry with them.


Churches are advised to seek legal counsel and cautioned to fully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation.

Resources to assist churches with incorporation are available at the General Council on Finance and Administration website:

The Duke Endowment assists eligible rural United Methodist Churches in their response to Safe Sanctuaries.  An application for assistance with making a church compliant with Safe Sanctuaries can be found on-line at The Duke Endowment website:  

However, churches need to act and decide what their plan is and what they need to do and make application to The Duke Endowment for assistance.  The Duke Endowment is extending its grant deadline for Safe Sanctuary application to December 1, 2007.

Training:
To schedule a safe sanctuaries training, contact:
Children’s Ministries at the NC Conference UMC 800.849.4433 or 919.832.9560

For local training resources in the recognition and reporting of abuse contact local domestic violence/sexual assault agencies, county Department of Social Services, child advocacy groups and Prevent Child Abuse of NC (link found to the right on this page in the blue box under Websites and Links).

Resources:
Books
by Joy Melton, available from Discipleship Resources
Safe Sanctuaries:
Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church
Safe Sanctuaries for Youth:
Reducing the Risk of Abuse in Youth Ministries

From the Conference Media Center –
Safe Sanctuaries:
Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church

Training sessions with Joy Melton available in VHS
and DVD formats

From Dr. Anna Salter
Book: Predators, Pedophiles, Rapists and Other Sex Offenders
Video: “Truth, Lies and Sex Offenders”

Sexual Ethics Toll-free Phone Number:
If you would like to speak with someone confidentially regarding sexual abuse, harassment or misconduct...please call the NC Conference Coordinator for Sexual Ethics Concerns at 1-877-603-8816. The Coordinator for Sexual Ethics Concerns works collaboratively with local churches and church agencies to provide education and information on sexual misconduct issues.

Child Lures Prevention:
An educational program to safeguard children from predatory crimes used in many religious schools and parishes.
www.childluresprevention.com