Safe Sanctuaries

The New Mexico Conference of The United Methodist Church is a Safe Sanctuaries Conference.    We commit to the implementation of this program to prevent child/adult abuse in the local church.  Why?  Because our church is a community of faith -a safe haven and sanctuary- where children, youth, and adults can be confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.

"Safe Sanctuaries," a training program for reducing the risk of "child" abuse, (all those age 18 and under and vulnerable adults), is available to all local churches in the New Mexico Annual Conference.
There is no charge for this training!

Child abuse prevention and risk reduction policies and procedures are essential for every congregation, not only for the protection and safety of our children and youth, but for all of our volunteer and employed workers with children, as well.

The Gospel calls us to be engaged in ministry with children and youth.  We must not allow the risks to undermine or stop our ministry; rather, we must:

     >  Acknowledge the risks and develop a practical plan to reduce them
          (volunteer application forms, background checks, annual training).

     >  Take steps to prevent harm to our children.

     >  Continue to answer the gospel's imperative to be in ministry with 
          children and students, making a difference in their lives.

      
 Safe Churches Form 2012 Updated

 Safe Churches Standard Services Agreement

 Safe Churches password update 2010

 Statement of Child Abuse Policy

 Statement on Sexual Misconduct Policy

The United Methodist Insurance Program, sponsored by the General Council on Finance and Administration, is encouraging all local churches to implement Safe Sanctuaries procedures.

To schedule a training for your local church,
please contact Dara Shipp-Bell,
Conference Youth Director and Safe Sanctuaries Administrator,
at (505) 255-8786, ext. 110;  or 1-800-678-8786, or via email at   .   
Remember, there is no charge for this training!