In all our ministries with children, youth and vulnerable adults, Bryson City United Methodist Church is committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that each child, youth and vulnerable adult will be “surrounded by steadfast love, established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal” (from “Congregational Pledge 2” Baptismal Covenant II, in The United Methodist Hymnal, page 44).
Purpose
Bryson City United Methodist Church’s purpose for establishing a Youth , Children and Vulnerable Adults Abuse Protection Policy, and accompanying procedures, is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all children, youth and vulnerable adults.
Statement of Covenant
Therefore, as a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, we pledge to conduct the ministry of the gospel in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all children and youth, as well as the workers with children and youth.
We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of event staff; we will implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events; we will educate all our children and youth workers regarding the use of all appropriate policies and methods; we will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirements of state law; and we will be prepared to respond to media inquiries if an incident occurs.
CLICK HERE to watch a video from the United Methodist Church about Safe Sanctuaries.