Safety and Accessibility

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts requires training for clergy and staff, and recommends it for volunteers.

Safe Church training is designed to increase awareness regarding sexual misconduct and abuse of power, to outline steps toward preventing abuse, to offer ways to intervene when misconduct occurs and to equip anyone in a position of congregational leadership with ways of healing and rebuilding the body of Christ.

The training is required of all clergy, diocesan employees, and congregational employees. It is also highly recommended for wardens, vestry members, lay eucharistic visitors, pastoral visitors, youth leaders, Confirmation sponsors, acolyte leaders, choir directors, church school teachers and volunteers working in a congregation on a regular basis.