Safe Church - The Presbyterian Church in Canada

​Safe Church Commitment
As part of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, at Knox Walkerton we follow this commitment .... as found on the PCC website.  

​The Presbyterian Church in Canada is committed to fostering safe church environments free from harm and harassment, where vulnerable individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, are protected. Creating safe churches involves preventing and responding to harm through policies, training, police record checks, transparency, clear reporting procedures for misconduct and pathways to justice, redress and healing when harm occurs. It is the policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada that all persons, and in particular all children, youth and vulnerable adults, who participate in the denomination’s programs, ministries and/or use the denomination’s facilities, will be cared for with Christian compassion and will be safe. It is also the policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada that sexual abuse, sexual harassment and harassment of any kind by church leaders, staff or volunteers will not be tolerated. All complaints will be taken seriously and handled in accordance with the denomination’s policy.

Leading With Care Policy Statement
Knox Presbyterian Church, Walkerton
Implementation of this policy at Knox Walkerton is the responsibility of Knox Session, through the Christian Education and International Mission Committee. Knox has established the use of written ministry job descriptions for volunteers in ministries that involve children, youth and vulnerable adults, and routinely reviews the factors in these ministries in order to actively reduce the risk. A Covenant of Care Form has been prepared for signature of ministry leaders, renewed every year. The committee works with other members of the church (e.g. board) to examine safety and prevention, for example, safety of the facility, fire procedures, and exceptional circumstances such as safety of offsite ministry locations.


POLICY FOR ADDRESSING UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR
The purpose of this policy is to restore harmonious relationships between people associated with Knox Presbyterian Church, Walkerton when the relationship between two or more individuals has been harmed in any way because of inappropriate behavior or language.
Inappropriate behavior or language includes, but is not limited to: bullying (subtle or overt), name calling, undue pressure, intimidation, yelling, improper use of social media, breach of confidentiality, disrespectful behavior or language, racist or homophobic remarks, etc.
This policy applies to all members, adherents, Ministers, volunteers, Board of Manager members, Elders, staff, or anyone from the community using our church facility.
 

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