Safe Church

About the Safe Church Program

During the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church (2003), the church adopted Resolution B008, which called for the “Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse.”

The House of Bishops issued a pastoral letter in support of adopting safeguarding policies. It also covered the implementation of training procedures and criminal sexual background checks for all Episcopal Church dioceses and congregations.

Together with the Church Pension Group, the church developed policies and training programs. It is also attempting to change our culture to ensure the safety of our members, especially the youngest and most vulnerable.

Following the intent of Resolution B0008, the Episcopal Diocese of Texas worked to ensure its churches, schools, and institutions uphold our baptismal promises by providing an environment that is free of abuse, harassment, and exploitation.

Our Commitment

The Christ Episcopal Church, Mexia in Texas joins the Diocese of Texas to ensure the safety of every member. Through the Safe Church ministries, we make sure each person’s dignity is protected and respected by providing the necessary resources.

Program Details

Safe Church consists of two programs. Safeguarding God’s Children (SGC) focuses on training leaders in sexual abuse prevention for the youth.

On the other hand, the Safeguarding God’s People – Exploitation (SGP-E) program trains leaders in the proper ways of providing a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment where the full work of the Church can be carried out.

At the Christ Episcopal Church, Mexia, all our leaders have either been fully trained or are currently undergoing Safe Church training.

Who Are Required To Attend the Program?

In compliance with the National Church guidelines, we require the following people to be certified in the SGC or SGP-E program:

All Clergy
All Paid Employees of Diocesan Entities
Contracted Service Providers and Charters (Ex. Kidventure)
Adult Volunteers – Children’s Ministries and Schools
Vestry or Bishop’s Committee Members
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Leaders and Facilitators of Ministries (Ex. Sunday School, Formation Teachers, Choir
Directors, Altar Guild Members)
And Others, As Noted in the SGC Policies or SGP-E Policies

Safe Church Policies for the Diocese of Texas

Coming Soon

Key Contacts

Richard serves as the Safe Church coordinator for the Christ Episcopal Church, Mexia in Texas. If you have any certification-related questions, you can email him at safe.church@christchurchmexia.org.

For more information about safeguarding programs in the Diocese, please contact Rev. Canon Lisa Burns at lburns@epicenter.org. She is the Diocese’s Safe Church minister.

Reach Out to Us

If you have any questions about our church, feel free to contact us.

Let’s Talk