Safer Ministry
We now know that the Anglican Church of Australia, like many other churches, has failed its members and the community through the abusive behaviour of people holding positions of power and trust in the Church. There is no part of the community, including our own, that has not been touched by this abhorrent situation.
We unreservedly apologise to all those who have been harmed as a result of the Church's action, and inaction, and especially to victims and survivors of sexual abuse. It should never have happened, and we are deeply sorry.
The Diocese of Adelaide does not tolerate harassment or abuse in its church community. It is committed to ensuring a safe environment in all its ministries, and has put in place robust screening procedures applicable to a wide range of ministers and ministries as part of preventative measures to combat sexual and other abuse.
The Diocese requires, and maintains records of, screening and training (including a Department of Human Services Working With Children Check which covers criminal history information, disciplinary and misconduct information, child protection information, and any other information DHS may require) for all clergy, ordination candidates, and paid ministry workers, as well as those who minister on a voluntary basis - Churchwardens and Parish Council, licensed Lay ministers, Sunday School teachers, play group coordinators, home visitors, and so on. All are required to complete, and keep current, training in areas of safer ministry that always include the maintenance of environments that are safe for children, young and vulnerable people.
All screening and training is updated every three years. All of our clergy, lay leaders and volunteer ministers are in compliance with this requirement.
Information about the Safer Ministry program and levels and standards of training in the Diocese of Adelaide can be found on the Diocesan website.
We unreservedly apologise to all those who have been harmed as a result of the Church's action, and inaction, and especially to victims and survivors of sexual abuse. It should never have happened, and we are deeply sorry.
The Diocese of Adelaide does not tolerate harassment or abuse in its church community. It is committed to ensuring a safe environment in all its ministries, and has put in place robust screening procedures applicable to a wide range of ministers and ministries as part of preventative measures to combat sexual and other abuse.
The Diocese requires, and maintains records of, screening and training (including a Department of Human Services Working With Children Check which covers criminal history information, disciplinary and misconduct information, child protection information, and any other information DHS may require) for all clergy, ordination candidates, and paid ministry workers, as well as those who minister on a voluntary basis - Churchwardens and Parish Council, licensed Lay ministers, Sunday School teachers, play group coordinators, home visitors, and so on. All are required to complete, and keep current, training in areas of safer ministry that always include the maintenance of environments that are safe for children, young and vulnerable people.
All screening and training is updated every three years. All of our clergy, lay leaders and volunteer ministers are in compliance with this requirement.
Information about the Safer Ministry program and levels and standards of training in the Diocese of Adelaide can be found on the Diocesan website.