Safe Church, Safe Communities
Safe Church, Safe Communities
At Hope Episcopal Church, we work hard at cultivating a Christian community that is safe, inclusive, and affirming for everyone. We take this task seriously as we work to develop a culture that protects our children, youth, vulnerable adults, marginalized peoples, and our LGBTQIA+ siblings.
We are guided by safe policies
The Vestry of Hope has approved a set of policies that guide our ministry with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. These policies are in alignment with the Diocese of Missouri's model policies which can be downloaded here:
We are vetted and trained
All of our clergy, staff, vestry members, eucharistic visitors, and children/youth workers are interviewed, have current background checks, and receive comprehensive training in the Diocese of Missouri's Safe Church, Safe Communities best practices and policies.
We are transparent and accountable
Hope Church takes its responsibility seriously to take immediate action in reported concerns of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In the event of a suspected offense, the following persons should be contacted immediately:
- For a concern with a Lay Person, contact the Priest-in-Charge, Father Jared Moore, and the Senior Warden, Carie Kennedy.
- For a concern with a Clergy Person, contact Bishop Deon Johnson and the Diocesan Disciplinary Board.
Title IV Compliance
Title IV of the Episcopal Church Canons details the grounds and process for ecclesiastical discipline. It is a church-wide structure to address claims that Bishops, Priests, or Deacons may have engaged in conduct constituting an offense under the Canons. It encourages accountability, justice, reconciliation, restoration and pastoral responses.