Safe Church

 

Sexual Misconduct Awareness and Expectations of Appropriate Behavior

In 1991 the General Convention passed a resolution in which it declared that sexual abuse, exploitation, coercion and harassment of adults and minors by clergy and church employees are abuses of trust, a violation of the Baptismal Covenant, contrary to Christian character and are therefore wrong. The Church must be a safe place for all people, a place of respect, trust and caring. 

The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island is committed to upholding these values and maintaining an environment free of abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults and of sexual exploitation and harassment of adults in its churches, schools, and institutions. 

The clergy of our diocese, both priests and deacons are especially held to a high standard in upholding this sacred trust having taken on additional sets of promises, including the promise to pattern their life in accordance with the teachings of Christ in order to be “a wholesome example” to their people.

The Diocese of Long Island has policies that establish standards of behavior and “best practices” for all clergy, church employees and adults who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults, and policies that establish standards and “best practices” for clergy, specified lay ministers and church employees. These policies can be reviewed below. 

Persons who wish to report violations, suspected abuse, sexual exploitation or harassment may report such to their rector/clergy person in charge of the congregation (church warden in the absence of a clergy person in charge) or head of school (who will report this to the diocesan contacts) or directly to the Rev. Canon Patricia S. Mitchell, by email or phone (516) 248-4800 ext 166.  

Reporting Clergy Misconduct 

Safe Church Guideline Overview
EDLI Policies on Sexual Harassment and Exploitation
EDLI Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth
EDLI Policies for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults

Safe Church Training

Spanish Translations

POLÍTICAS PARA UNA IGLESIA SEGURA
Política para la protección de niños y jóvenes
Política para la protección de adultos vulnerables
Políticas sobre acoso sexual y explotación

Chinese (Mandarin) Translations

安全教会政策
保护儿童和青少年的政策
保护弱势成年人的政策
关于性骚扰和剥削的政策

Korean Translations

안전한 교회 정책
어린이와 청소년의 보호를 위한 정책
취약한 성인의 보호를 위한 정책
关于性骚扰和剥削的政策

French Translations

POLITIQUES DE SÉCURITÉ DE L’ÉGLISE
Politique de protection de l’enfance et de la jeunesse
Politique de protection des adultes vulnérables
Politique sur le harcèlement sexuel