Trustworthy Care: Helping Organizations Provide Safe Service
Statement
of Commitment
The United Church
of Canada is committed to providing a safe environment for worship, work, and
study in all Pastoral Charges, Congregations, institutions, agencies and organizations,
or other bodies which operate under its name. The United Church of Canada seeks
to ensure that all staff, volunteers and ministry personnel who work with vulnerable
individuals in United Church settings share this commitment. This commitment
will be demonstrated by staff, volunteers and ministry personnel showing respect
for personal boundaries, protecting others from harm and abuse, and enabling
those in their care to learn and grow without fear of exploitation.
As we work together to create this community of trust and safety, God's vision of Shalom sustains and guides us. We will experience the presence of the Spirit, nurturing and prodding us to be a people of compassion and grace.
Theological
Statement
Jesus came into the world to bring life in all its fullness. As followers of
Jesus we are called to show love to one another, and to the world (John 13:34-35),
to share our gifts and resources, and to build a community of mutuality and
respect (Acts 3: 44-47) As a church, we have a primary duty to care for those
who are marginalized, less powerful or more vulnerable in our community. (Deuteronomy
10:17-19, Isaiah 61 :1~2)
God intends that all people enjoy a life free from exploitation and abuse. Created in the image of God, all persons have a right to be treated with respect and protected from harm.
Our church is blessed with the gifts of many that offer leadership, as volunteers, staff and ministry personnel. These people have a special calling to offer their time and talents in congregations, Sunday Schools, programs for children and youth, home visiting and many other ministries of the church. These people also are called to act with integrity and discipline as they teach and care for the people of God. The church and all its workers are called to honour the dignity of each person, as created in the image of God.
Jesus teaches that we must love one another. Love does not insist upon its own way (Corinthians 13:5). Where manipulation and exploitation exist in a relationship, love is violated.
The principle which supports this statement on "Screening Procedures for Positions of Trust and Authority in the United Church of Canada" is that followers of Jesus must demonstrate love, respect and honour for one another as members of the body of Christ: for Jesus reminds us that as we do to the most vulnerable among us we do unto him (Matthew 25: 35-40).
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