Resources to help local churches understand the need for Safe Sanctuaries policies and procedures for individuals in ministries with children, youth and vulnerable adults and help in drafting their own local church policies and procedures on sexual misconduct. Let us help your church create and implement Safe Sancuaries policies.

United Methodist Resources

• 2024 Annual Conference Lunch-n-Learn Handout

• Safer Sanctuaries - SAMPLE POLICY – Large Membership Congregation (pdf)

• Safer Sanctuaries - SAMPLE POLICY -  Small Membership Congregtion (pdf)

Other helpful websites include

• Discipleship Ministries: 'Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities' is a new and comprehensive resource.

• National Sex Offender: Search sex offender registries for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Indian Country.

• UM Sexual Ethics: The official United Methodist resource for information regarding sexual ethics

• FaithTrust Institute: An international multi-faith training and education organization working to end sexual and domestic violence.

• General Commission on the Status and Role of Women:  Click under resources to go to above sexual ethics website

Books

1. Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities—This new resource, Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities, builds on the strong foundation of past efforts while preparing churches for the work of the future.
2.  Safe Sanctuaries - Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth – Joy Melton; Discipleship Resources; 2008. www.discipleshipresources.org

2. Safe Sanctuaries for Ministers – Best Practices and Ethical Decisions  - Joy Melton; Discipleship Resources; 2009.
3. Safe Sanctuaries – The Church Responds to Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Older Adults – Joy Melton; Discipleship Resources; 2012.
4. Preventing Sexual Abuse in Congregations – A Resource for Leaders – Karen McClintock; The Alban Institute; 2004.

5. Safe Sanctuaries in a Virtual World - Joy Melton and Michelle Foster; Discipleship Resources; 2014

6. Healthy Disclosure – Solving Communication Quandaries in Congregations - Karen McClintock and Kibbie Ruth; The Alban Institute; 2007