The Safe Church, Safe Communities program is the Episcopal Church's universal training and certification program for fostering a culture of safety and inclusion. It covers issues of vulnerability, power, and healthy boundaries.

Training Requirements

• Validity: Required every three years.
• Clergy & Employees: Must complete all 9 courses (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours total).
• Lay Volunteers: (e.g., vestry, Sunday School teachers, lay Eucharistic visitors) Must complete the first 4 courses.
• Transition: Replaces separate "Safeguarding" certifications. Existing certifications remain valid until expiration.

Required Courses

1. Introduction and Theological Background
2. Organizational Rules & Policies
3. Healthy Boundaries
4. Inclusion
5. Power & Relationships
6. Pastoral Relationships
7. Bullying
8. Abuse and Neglect
9. Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter

Texas Mandatory Reporting

In Texas, everyone—including clergy, attorneys, and medical professionals without exception for privileged communication—is a legally mandated reporter. A report must be filed based on reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or person with disabilities.

Enrollment & Contact

Training is completed online through Praesidium Academy. For enrollment, questions, or updated policies (approved by the [[diocese-northwest-texas|Diocese]] Executive Council on August 18, 2022), contact Elizabeth Jones at ejones@nwtdiocese.org or 806.763.1370.