Building a safer sanctuary can be a life-giving and community-enhancing ministry for a congregation. It can be an empowering, joyful way of being in the community that promotes the safety and security of all people. 

Since 1998, Safe Sanctuaries, by Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church, has been a trusted source of guidance for United Methodist churches and other affiliated institutions as they work to reduce the risk of abuse in their communities through proven policies and practices. Safe Sanctuaries enable communities to be empowered and flourish as they develop and implement policies and procedures that make everyone safer.

A changing world, however, requires a constant renewal of these trusted strategies along with new and updated approaches to the work of preventing abuse. Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities, by Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church, builds on the strong foundation of past resources while also inspiring and preparing churches for the work of the future. Safer Sanctuaries acknowledges the fears that swirl around the subject of abuse and encourages churches to respond with honesty, open communication, and accountability to the challenges faced in these communities. This approach allows communities to encourage flourishing instead of fear and build welcoming, thriving communities that are open and safe for everyone.

Brenda Lint and Beata Ferris, two Dakotas Conference laypeople, are taking on new roles as trainers for the Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities program.

Beata Ferris. Photo by jlynn studios.

“I saw the training was being offered. In my position at church, I am responsible for ensuring the volunteers and staff practice safe sanctuary guidelines. I thought the training fit my church role and would give me important and updated information,” said Beata Ferris, Discipleship Coordinator at First United Methodist Church in Pierre, South Dakota. “

Brenda Lint, who works with the Dakotas Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries and the Conference Council on Youth Ministries, expressed an interest in the same training. “What we have in place at the camps and youth events is important so that everyone feels safe and welcome. We always need to review our practices and policies with the most relevant information and resources, ” said Brenda. 

Ferris and Lint attended a four-day train-the-trainers event in Kansas City. They have agreed to conduct training for congregations and leaders throughout the Dakotas Conference.

"We want to assist churches and help them update things,” said Brenda. “We hope churches will review their current policies and practices for the safety of everyone, especially children, youth, and vulnerable populations.”

Safe Sanctuaries involve policies and procedures, including background checks. The Dakotas-Minnesota Area Camp and Retreat Ministry uses Camp Background Checks to screen volunteers. Camping has used this company for several years and has found it responsive and easy to work with. Individual churches are also eligible to create accounts with the company.

“Background checks are just part of the process. Having policies up to date, following the protocols in the policy, and training are critical elements to creating a safe environment for everyone,” said Beata.

One part of creating a safe sanctuary environment is boundaries training for clergy. Anyone appointed or assigned to a local United Methodist church is required to participate in boundaries and sexual ethics training at least once every quadrennium. The new quadrennium begins on January 1, 2024, and ends on December 31, 2028. Recently, clergy were invited to attend boundaries training in August. View the invitation. 

Brenda Lint. Photo by jlynn studios.

“Sometimes people confuse boundaries and sexual ethics training with safe sanctuaries. Boundaries training focuses on adult relationships, and safe sanctuaries training is about youth, children, and vulnerable populations. They are both important,” said Brenda. 

At the 2024 Annual Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota, June 6-8, Ferris and Lint will provide an overview of Safer Sanctuaries at a Lunch and Learn session.  As churches plan and prepare for fall programming, they can schedule training with Brenda and Beata by emailing safe.sancaturies@dakotasumc.org. Additionally, congregations can order the book through the Upper Room. 

“We just want to work together with churches to create a place where everyone feels welcome and safe,” said Beata.