Safe Church Program

We are committed to providing a safe and sacred space where everyone can worship and fellowship. Inappropriate behavior or harassment of any individual or group will not be tolerated.

What is Harassment?

Harassment is unwelcome or unreciprocated behavior that makes a person feel intimidated, offended, or belittled. Anyone can be harassed, regardless of age, race, or gender. Harassment often involves one person or a group of people using power inappropriately over another person or group.

Unacceptable Behaviors

The following types of behavior may be deemed as harassment or inappropriate and are not welcome in our church community:

Circulating or displaying written or pictorial material that is sexually suggestive, offensive, or belittling.
Verbal abuse or comments that put down or stereotype persons.
Offensive jokes based on sex, race, creed, color, age, or sexual orientation.
Gestures that are offensive or insulting.
Staring or leering in a sexual manner.
Sexual or physical contact, such as slapping, or inappropriate kissing, touching, or hugging.
Intrusive questions about personal sexual activity.
Sexual assault – a crime that will be immediately reported to the police.
Repeated sexual invitations when the person invited has refused similar invitations before.
Insensitive or inappropriate behavior, or use of a mobile phone, tablet, or media device during the church service.
Unsolicited phone calls or texts that are unwelcome to the recipient.
Refusing to follow the reasonable directions of the Pastor.

Our Value Statements

We are committed to protecting the safety of all people within our programs, ministries, and events, and supporting organizations to adhere to safety legislation. The value statements we uphold in this work are:

A zero-tolerance stand on all forms of abuse in the church.
Protection of the rights and flourishing of all people as the shared commitment in our cultivation of safe church and ministry environments.
Protection of children and vulnerable people in the community as an imperative of our shared Christian faith.
Training that is safe for all people and which speaks to the concept of serving together in ministry.
Respect for the diversity of Christian traditions and an awareness of how these interact with child safety legislation.
The use of National Standards as the common basis for holistic Safe Church ministry.
Training which focuses on continual development to create cultures where a Christ-like attitude and behavior towards all people is exemplified by leadership.

Insurance

We are covered under a Public Liability Policy underwritten by QBE Insurance Australia Limited.

Work Health and Safety Policy

Having clear policies and procedures in place helps minimize workplace health and safety risks and protect workers. All workers and volunteers are required to attend an induction. Inductions may vary from a simple Fire, Health, and Safety introduction to a more complex induction including equipment. We are committed to safety and preventing work-related injury and illness. To work or volunteer with children, you may need to have a working with children check.

For more information, please contact the office.

Safe Church Program