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.

Please note:

The Episcopal Church and The Diocese of Missouri are in the process of updating our training for congregations, clergy, and diocesan leadership to prevent sexual misconduct.

The week of July 12, 2021, marks the beginning of a transition to our new Safe Church, Safe Communities curriculum (formerly Safeguarding God’s Children).

The Task Force to Develop Model Sexual Harassment Policies and Safe Church Training will begin releasing new courses (and removing old courses) on July 14. At the same time, the platform we use to access the training is changing from Praesidium Armatus to a new learning platform named Praesidium Academy. Armatus is no longer available to learners, but administrators will have “view only” access through December 2021.

Administrators and users will be receiving email invitations to the new system. The Diocese of Missouri Safe Church Task Force will soon be offering new training materials to help everyone learn how to use the new system and the updated curriculum.

For general information about 2017 updated Model Policies and Safechurch information go to
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/safe-church/

For specific information about the Praesidium Academy upgrade go to
https://praesidium.lpages.co/academy2021/

More information will be coming soon. Thanks for your patience!

This training 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 more information.

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.