Introduction to the Safe Sanctuary Policy

Our calling and our mandate is to ensure safe sanctuary for God’s people.  Throughout the gospels, Jesus provides teachings on providing a peaceable kingdom for all of God’s people, including our most precious gifts, our children and youth (Matthew 5:9, Luke 18:15-17).  The peaceable kingdom begins with sanctuary. 

Scriptures provide examples of how sanctuary is to be a community of protective nurture and harmony (Psalms 20:1-2, 27:4-5). As Christians, we are called to create a safe sanctuary in our churches.  They must be holy, safe, and protective communities for all of God’s children, regardless of age or ability. The purpose of the Safe Sanctuary policy is to address the safety of our children and youth at all local churches, and at District or Annual Conference sponsored events.

Training

The Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church shall, through its Districts, develop and implement training and orientation procedures for all persons in leadership who work with children and youth at Conference or District activities and events. Training shall include but is not limited to appropriate discipline, appropriate physical and emotional boundaries, leader misconduct, and this policy.