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Safe Church

The Diocese of Missouri has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of clergy sexual misconduct.

We define three categories:

  1. Sexual abuse of children or others unable to give consent.
  2. The establishment of a sexual relationship (including dating of a parishioner or member of the church's staff) of a cleric in his/her congregation.
  3. Any type of sexual harassment of church employees.

We have significant training for congregations, clergy and diocesan leadership to prevent sexual misconduct of clergy.

This training is called Safeguarding God's Children and is required for:

  1. All clergy - those ordained and also those in the ordination process
  2. All employees
  3. All volunteers who work with children

Every year, these three groups along with each congregation's lay leadership (Vestry) must read and acknowledge by signature diocesan policy and procedures concerning allegations and incidents of sexual misconduct.

Contact Jillian Smith in the Bishop's Offices to arrange for Safeguarding Training.

Background checks are required for the following:

  1. All clergy
  2. All employees
  3. All volunteers who work with children

We investigate any charges against a member of the clergy immediately upon receiving that charge.

We also move aggressively with any who are guilty of these charges. For details, download the Diocese of Missouri policies and procedures on sexual misconduct.

Issues of Sexual Harassment

Training in sexual harassment awareness and prevention is required of all salaried employees in the diocese, its congregations, and agencies. Maintenance and clerical employees are not required to have the training, but are encouraged to attend a workshop.

Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse

Training in sexual abuse prevention is required of all employees of the Diocese, its congregations, and agencies who work with youth.

The Diocese of Missouri's Policies and Procedures Concerning Allegations and Incidents of Sexual Misconduct and the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Policies are sent yearly to each congregation in their annual meeting packets.

The Acknowledgement of Receipt of Policies must be signed on or before April 1 of each year by the following:

  1. All clergy
  2. All volunteers who regularly supervise youth activities
  3. All Vestry/Bishop's Committee members
  4. All employees

The signed forms should be returned on or before April 1 to:

The Offices of the Bishop
1210 Locust Street, 3rd floor
St. Louis, MO 63103


Contact Jillian Smith in the Bishop's Office for more information.

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For more info, contact:

Jillian Smith
Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Canon to the Ordinary
314-231-1220, ext. 1370 

    Jillian Smith

    Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Canon to the Ordinary
    314-231-1220, ext. 1370 |

    Jillian joined the Bishop's staff in 2017 as the Director of the Deaconess Anne House and began serving as Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Canon to the Ordinary in August 2019. Jillian has a Bachelor's degree in history, with a minor in sociology from the University of Evansville. She was a corps member of the first class at Deaconess Anne House, where she served with Episcopal City Mission and All Saints' Episcopal Church. After her internship with DAH, Jillian became the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ladue from 2014-2017. She is married to Anthony Cabrera and is a member of Holy Communion Episcopal Church in University City.

    Jillian's duties include:

    • Appointments for the Bishop
    • Lay licensing
    • Remarriage petitions and authorizations
    • Diocesan Confirmation service
    • Bishop's visitations
    • Renewal of ministry
    • Letters Dimissory
    • Chrism oil
    • Supply Clergy list
    • Clergy Retreats, Clergy Conference
    • License to Officiate
    • Non-parochial Reports
    • Safeguarding God's Children
    • Ordination Process Forms
    Resources Alcohol Policy Clergy Resources COVID-19 Diocesan Archives Disaster Preparedness Financial Forms Safe Church Seniors Vestry University Worship Lent and Easter 2021


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    Safe Church Downloads

    • Diocesan chart of required and recommended training
    • Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth (June 2018)
    • Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (June 2018)
    • Policies and Procedures Concerning Allegations and Incidents of Sexual Misconduct (Jan '95)
    • Acknowledgment of diocesan policies-to be signed annually

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    1210 Locust St. · St. Louis, MO 63103
    (314) 231-1220
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    Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
    1210 Locust St.
    St. Louis, MO 63103

    Contact Us
    (314) 231-1220

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    Welcome from Our Bishop Find a Church Diocesan Calendar Clergy Resources

    We believe in a loving, life-giving and liberating God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe God loves you -- no exceptions!

    We invite you to be a part of our faith journey.

    The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson is the leader of our diocese. He was elected as our bishop on Nov. 23, 2019, and ordained on June 13, 2020, at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis.

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    Approximately 10,000 people throughout Eastern and Central Missouri find their faith home with us. About three-quarters of our members are in the metro St. Louis area, but our diocese reaches much farther than St. Louis. You will find more than 40 Episcopal churches, missions and faith communities as far north as Kirksville, as far west as Columbia, and as far south as Poplar Bluff (and many points in between).

    If you are looking for a church home or a just a faith community to visit, we invite you to explore The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

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    Specifically of interest to the ordained clergy canonically resident or licensed in this diocese.

    • Diocesan Forms Library
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