The purpose of the Safe Church is to promote the mission of the church by providing a safe and effective working, learning and spiritual environment. For a copy of the Safe Church Policy, click here.  

Criminal Record Checks are a requirement in the Diocese of Fredericton for clergy and lay volunteers. Need a criminal record check? Contact Ben Bourque

The objectives of Safe Church are:

a) The prevention of misconduct towards anyone, including children, youth and vulnerable adults, by applying effective processes to ensure the church is a safe place for all people including Clergy, lay-leaders, Diocesan and parish staff, and other volunteers

b) The protection of all members of the church community from misconduct, particularly children, youth and vulnerable adults; and

c) The legal protection of the Diocese, each Diocesan or Parish Corporation and their leadership.

Who is this training for?

  • parish council members
  • wardens
  • paid staff (including clergy)
  • organist
  • choir director
  • envelope secretary
  • children and youth workers
  • honourary assistants
  • pastoral visitors
  • refugee volunteers (speak to parish Safe Church liaison about special training)
  • treasurer and all others who handle money
  • volunteer staff including admin, grounds and janitorial 

Certification

Volunteers and employees with current police/criminal record checks who have participated in Safe Church training follow the diocesan Safe Church policy. Re-certification and a new criminal record check are required every three years.

You are able to host and organize your own training for your committee or team. Ben Bourque has recorded a group video training that you can watch together or independently.

Questions or Need Help? Contact Ben Bourque, Personnel & Safe Church Officer for the diocese.