Millville United Methodist Church

Safe Sanctuary Information

Your questions about what "Safe Sanctuary" is can be found in the following press release.

At the bottom of the page you can print a copy of the
"Parental Consent Form."

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
April 26, 2002

UNITED METHODIST BISHOP EXPLAINS POLICIES IN CHURCH'S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING MINISTRY TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SAFE ENVIRONMENTS

In light of questions raised recently regarding the clergy and sexual misconduct, Neil L. Irons, Resident Bishop of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church has declared a "zero tolerance policy" toward any clergyperson guilty of pedophilia or teen molestation. "Any pastor who is guilty of such a heinous crime will be promptly terminated from ministry."

"Sexual misconduct in church and society is a significant and troubling topic for our communities and the Christian Church worldwide. This behavior damages the moral environment where people worship, work, and learn and it is a breach of the sacred trust extended by God to those in ministry.

"As 160,000 United Methodists in Central Pennsylvania, we join all communities of faith across the world who seek to create an environment of hospitality for all persons. We are diligent in our quest to provide settings of ministry which are free from misconduct of a sexual nature and encourage respect, equality and kinship in Christ. We believe that sexual misconduct impedes the mission of Jesus Christ. Ministerial leaders have the responsibility not only to avoid actions and words which hurt others, but also to protect the vulnerable against actions or words which cause harm.

"We believe our children and youth to be especially vulnerable persons and their safety and protection is our holy responsibility. To this end, a policy called Safe Sanctuaries was adopted by Conference legislative action in the year 2000. This initiative provides training for congregations in fulfilling the church's commitment to providing ministry to children and youth in safe environments. Guidelines are presented to churches, affiliate ministries, and conference leadership to implement policies and procedures and to train their staff and volunteers.

An example of Safe Sanctuaries policy is the requirement of national and local criminal checks and Pennsylvania child abuse history for all paid staff, incoming clergy, and volunteers who work in ministry with children throughout the Central Pennsylvania Conference. Evidence of this commitment of United Methodists in Central Pennsylvania is the training in May 2002, of 500 clergy and laity gathering in Montoursville, Hollidaysburg, and Shiremanstown."

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Information or feedback contact:
Joe Johnson or
Felecia Girton

Corner of State and Walnut Sts., P. O. Box 470, Millville, PA 17846
570-458-4349