Sub-Committee on Clergy Continuing Education and “Safeguarding God’s Children”

Report to the 38th Convention

COMMISSION ON MINISTRY:

SUBCOMMITTEE ON CLERGY CONTINUING EDUCATION AND “SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN”

During the year the clergy of the Diocese were challenged to meet the standards for
continuing education that have been adopted by our diocese. They were also reminded of
requirements for their necessary participation and all in their congregations who have regular contact with children, in the “Safeguarding God’s Children” program. Reminders were sent out to clergy and wardens about the deadline for the education requirements and the “Safeguarding” program.

It is heartening when the leadership of congregations or Episcopal schools take these issues
seriously. I wish I could report to you that we have 100% compliance. Such is not the case. We
have had some very enthused workshop opportunities where vestry and Sunday school staff have
participated in becoming aware of the need to make our church a “safe place to risk to love.” The
Rev. Thack Dyson and The Rev. John Wallace showed exemplary leadership in pulling together
area events. Michael Drinkwater works hard to bring our youth leadership on board with these
requirements and we are willing to set up events to meet the needs of the Diocese.
There are two ways to engage the “Safeguarding” program. One is via the workshop format;
the other is to have your church administer the “Online” program. I spend a lot of time walking local church administrators through their congregational program and will gladly continue to do this. The exciting news is that the Church Pension program “Safeguarding God’s People” is in the
distribution phase. We will bring before you this excellent material as we review how we might adopt it in our diocese.

No one likes to be required to do something; but our policies not only protect our children, and
promote the continuing development of our clergy, they also allow us to participate in a fine church insurance program. Perhaps sobering, is that they are evidence in a litigious society, that we as a church take these matters very seriously.

Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Dr. David H. McDowell-Fleming