Last updated June 18, 2025
Why Safe Church?
We all know about the abuse scandals which rocked churches and other organizations around the world a few years ago. The abuse of those who are vulnerable can happen in any church, including ours, and it is our paramount duty to ensure that all of those entrusted to our care are as safe as we can possibly make them. We know how long-lasting the harm caused by abuse can be, and when churches are negligent in allowing it to happen, that fundamentally undermines all of the other work which they do; it can also of course destroy the faith of those affected, and of people more generally.
Most importantly, it is essential that anyone within the church feels free to report any concerns which they may have. Those reports can be made to me, or to any of the other people listed in the Safe Church policies, which can be viewed in the church office or online. It is also important that we are thorough in our background checking and Safe Church training. These are not fool-proof, and it is important that we all also continue to be vigilant and use our judgment. They are however an essential part of ensuring that we do what we can to make sure that those ministering to children or other vulnerable people understand their duties, and do not have any history of abuse.
I know for some this seems to imply that we do not trust them. There is nothing personal in asking for background checks and training however – it applies to all of us. I could not start serving here as your rector without them, and I gladly underwent them. This is the small price which those of us ministering pay for helping guard against inappropriate people getting into positions of trust. It is of course regrettable that they are needed, but as the result of the abuse of trust within churches and other organizations this is sadly the world we live in. I very much hope everyone at St Matthew’s will help us to do all that we can to avoid abuse happening here, and that we will all keep each other accountable in doing that.
St Matthew’s adopted ECMN’s model Safe Church policies shortly after I arrived here in 2023, and we want to take this opportunity to explain a bit more about how we are implementing them. I am delighted that James Albrecht has taken over from Heather Halker as our Safe Church champion on the vestry, helping our ministry leaders to comply with best practice as well as reporting regularly to the vestry about how that is going; Amy Fisher continues her stellar work as our Safe Church manager, managing our records, including the process of ensuring that those who need to have completed background checks and Safe Church training. In the following section, Amy and James answer a few questions you might have.
With love in Christ,
Christopher
What’s New?
To answer this, first let’s summarize what’s not new. Already, staff and volunteers have completed role-dependent combinations of Safe Church courses and background checks. In order to conform even more closely to ECMN Safe Church recommendations, we’ve added two new pieces to our Safe Church approach. New volunteers and previous volunteers who are venturing into new-to-them areas will complete a brief application and have an informational, conversational interview with a ministry leader. This is no high-pressure job application and interview process! Instead, it gives you a chance to learn the specifics of your new role, ask questions, and make sure you know what you’re getting into.
Who Is Involved with Safe Church?
The short answer is that everyone at St. Matthew’s is involved with Safe Church. Simply by reading this message, you are contributing by becoming aware of the steps that our church is taking to ensure that all people are safe and respected.
If you are an active volunteer, you have likely already completed some online courses and, for certain roles, consented to a background check. If you aren’t yet a volunteer but want to be, you will be doing those things soon!
Our rector, vestry, staff, ministry leaders, and safe church manager have additional responsibilities.
The rector is responsible, with the vestry, for overseeing our compliance with our Safe Church policies and those of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota (ECMN). He is also a mandatory reporter under Minnesota law, and is the principal person listed to receive reports of Safe Church concerns; and is also responsible for ensuring that anyone affected by such concerns receives appropriate support and pastoral care.
The Vestry creates St. Matthew’s Safe Church policies, in accordance with the policies of ECMN. One vestry member is a liaison among staff/ministry leaders and volunteers. James Albrecht describes this role as “being a Safe Church champion by serving as a point of contact for ministry leaders regarding Safe Church questions and/or concerns, checking in with the Safe Church manager on what’s needed to ensure ministry leaders and those in their areas are up to date on Safe Church trainings, and giving updates to the rest of the Vestry at each vestry meeting.”
Staff and ministry leaders clarify Safe Church training and background check requirements for volunteers in their area. They also ask new volunteers to fill out a brief application and have a conversational interview about the job and what to expect.
The volunteer Safe Church manager, currently Amy Fisher, sends course and background check how-to information to volunteers, tracks the courses they’ve completed, and orders necessary background checks. You’ll also hear from her once every three years when your courses and/or check are about to expire.
Where Do I Go with Questions?
Here’s a list of people who can most effectively help with different types of questions.
Safety and inappropriate interaction concerns: Rector (or any of the others listed in the relevant Safe Church policy, including if the concern relates to the Rector)
Policies: Rector or Church Warden
Requirements for specific volunteer roles: Ministry Leader
How-to for online courses and background check: Safe Church Manager
Expiration date of your training: Safe Church Manager
