“We need Safe Church so that we are called back into right relationship.”
-The Rev. Shaneequa Brokenleg, Officer for Racial Reconciliation, The Episcopal Church
Welcome!
I am grateful to each of you who serve the Church, helping to fulfill God’s mission in your particular contexts. As we emerge from Covid, we are now about the work of re-forming community, re-energizing ministries, and welcoming new people to our churches who want to make meaning of their lives among us, and with Jesus. We are blessed to be people of the Jesus Movement in Central Pennsylvania.
The Safeguarding curriculum from the churchwide office has been going through a transition in the past year and it is ready to be fully implemented. The newly revised curriculum has a shift in its focus: rather than simply offering education and risk management, the new curriculum invites us into a deeper conversation around the theological implications for forming “Safe Church and Safe Communities.” I think that you will appreciate its focus.
Thank you for your attention to this critical work as we work and worship together.
In the Way of Love,
+Audrey
A Transition
“Safe Church, Safe Communities” has replaced the former “Safeguarding God’s Children” in an effort to move from a liability model to a more comprehensive training approach, rooted in our Baptismal covenant, that encompasses issues of power, ethics, boundaries, and inclusivity to create safe spaces for all, especially children and vulnerable adults.
You can find out more about this transition on The Episcopal Church Safe Church Office website: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/safe-church/.
Thank you for your commitment to keeping a safe environment in our congregations and communities.
Watch this video of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry as he discusses the importance of Safe Church, Safe Community:
Renewing your Safe Church certificate:
Getting your Certification
Please note the changed protocol for enrolling in Safe Church- individuals can now visit the Praesidium website and enter a code to sign up based on their congregation or entity.
Renewing your Safe Church Certificate:
- Visit https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/ and click on “Sign In” located in the upper right corner of the page, adjacent to the “Cart” button.
If you have previously signed into Praesidium, you will be able to use your username and password. If you have forgotten it, you can reset it on the login page.
To Enroll for the First Time:
- Go to https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/redeem
- Fill in your contact information including First Name, Last Name, Email Address, and desired Password.
- Enter the appropriate registration code for your organization. All Diocesan Clergy should use the code: reg-episcenpenn-717-diocese. (Download the spreadsheet to find your parish’s registration code) *If you can’t find your church on the list, click “control-f” to search, or contact safechurch@diocesecpa.org.
- Click Validate to confirm the registration code.
- Click the checkbox to agree to the Terms & Conditions.
- Click Redeem.
- Write down your user login and password for future reference.
- Answer the Registration Questions about your status and role within the organization. (View the required courses by position/role in your parish.)
- Click Save & Continue.
- To begin taking training immediately, scroll down and click a course to start the content. Use a keyword in the training title to search for content. For example, enter the keyword “Boundaries” if you are searching for Safe Church, Safe Communities: Healthy Boundaries.
- When you have completed the required trainings, send your transcript (Under Accounts on the top right in Praesidium) to your Safe Church Manager.
Please note: Our Diocesan Safe Church policy training is now valid for three years (updated from five years based on TEC requirements).
Updated Requirements
- In order to receive your Safe Church certification (now required every 3 years), individuals may complete the required modules (roughly 10-20 minutes each for a total of 3 hours) online on Praesidium or attend a Safe Church training in person or on Zoom.
- Zoom and in-person training are available upon request but not required. All modules can be found on Praesidium.
- Use this document for guidance on Safe Church module requirements.
- Individual churches, schools, and other entities should have a person designated as the Safe Church Manager who will keep track of clearances and Safe Church certification to ensure that volunteers are in compliance with requirements. Your Safe Church Manager can contact safechurch@diocesecpa.org to be added as an administrator on Praesidium.
For Clergy:
- All clergy must complete their safe church training every three years.
- Clergy should send Safe Church transcripts (which can be accessed on Praesidium)
to safechurch@diocesecpa.org. Clergy should also keep a copy for their personal records.
All volunteers and employees in the Episcopal Diocese of Central PA are responsible for following the Safe Church policies and procedures manual of the Diocese of Central PA as well as abiding by PA child protection laws.
If you need immediate assistance contact:
Praesidium Support:
Monday – Friday: 8AM-5PM CST
support@praesidiuminc.com
1 (800) 743-6354
Micalagh Moritz is the Safe Church Administrator. For Safe Church or Clearance communication, please contact safechurch@diocesecpa.org.
