Five years ago, at our 2020 synod, we passed legislation entitled Safe Environments for Flourishing of Youth and Other Vulnerable Persons. This applies to all ECC laity and clergy who work with our most vulnerable, especially our children, our elderly, and members with physical and mental challenges.

The House of Laity did extensive research in the past few months to find programs that would support compliance. I am aware that many communities are already utilizing several different kinds of programs.

Some go through their own community’s insurance company, some participate in programs with the churches that they are nested in, and some work with other denominations to ensure healthy boundaries.