Safe Church, Safe Communities
Diocesan policies on sexual misconduct
Who should take Safe Church training?
- Clergy
- Church staff (Paid & Volunteer)
- Volunteers who work with or around children or youth
- Vestry members and Bishop’s committee
- Persons who want to be a licensed Eucharistic Visitor
- Volunteers assisting vulnerable adults
How often do I need to take the courses?
Each course must be renewed every three years. If you are employed by a parish or mission within WNY, a state mandated sexual harassment course is required annually.
How long does the Training take?
It depends on your role in the church. Each course is 20-30 minutes long and can be taken over time or all at once. Total training time is 2.5-3 hours.
Why is Safe Church Training required?
Safe Church provides participants with the information they need to protect the children in the ministries in which they serve. The program is based on the philosophy that if every adult can protect just one child, they will forever change one life. Part of the training focuses on vulnerable adults in our churches, too. The program also provides training for clergy, members, employees, volunteers, and church leaders about sexual exploitation between clergy or church leaders and those they serve.
The goal of this program is to prevent sexual exploitation in the Episcopal Church, to encourage adults to report to church leaders when they see signs of sexual exploitation, and to give Episcopalians a language with which to talk about the issue of sexual exploitation.
In addition, Safe Church training protects those who take it in case of an accusation. Without this training, the church and individuals are open to liability.
How do I sign up for online training?
Whether it is to take the training for the first time or to renew your training, please fill out the following form.
Once submitted, you will soon receive two emails:
- From Praesidium Academy with an invitation link to set up your login information
- From Shawn Slother with the training procedure and required courses. Please be aware of the courses listed, so that you complete the required ones.
Do you offer in-person training?
The Diocese will be hosting in-person training for the Safe Church program on July 25 & 29, 2026 at the Diocesan Ministry Center from 10am-3pm. Registration will open in June…watch for details in the Diocesan Newsletter.
Still have questions?
For questions about signing up for Safe Church, or if you have problems with your training, contact: Shawn Slother (716.881.0660 ext. 111).
Report Misconduct
To report or discuss sexual misconduct or boundary issues on the part of clergy or laypeople, please call or email Jim Clement 716.881.0660 ext. 112.