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Child Protection Covenant
One important aspect of Christian ministry is to express and give witness to the love of God through Word and action. This is how the church reveals God’s vision and Kingdom of justice in the world. Expressions of God’s love are revealed to us through worship, study, prayer, and fellowship. Through this ministry, the Christian Community connects us to the most intimate, vulnerable, and sacred dimensions of our lives. The work of building God’s church and ministry is done by church members (both adult and children), clergy, and church staff.
Central to the Reformed faith is the concept of “covenant.” God entered into covenant with the people of God to assure survival and liberation. God’s people made promises to God in order to live out the covenant in their lives. As the body of Christ, we covenant with one another to create a community where all the people experience the security, love, and acceptance of the Christian community. The promises we make to each other are sacred.
In the covenant of baptism, individuals and the congregation take responsibility for the spiritual well being and growth of individuals entrusted to the believing community. In the covenant that takes place during communion, the cup and the bread represent our commitment to remembering the new covenant Jesus created with his friends and disciples.
As a community of believers at Second Presbyterian Church, we embrace the covenant Jesus created. As Disciples of Christ we have a special responsibility to protect those in our community who are most vulnerable.
Purpose
The purpose of this child protection covenant is to clearly address instances of child abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, and harassment in our social and ecclesiastical culture in a pro-active manner. Survivors and victims of abuse, neglect, and sexual misconduct experience a breach in their sense of belonging and identity with a community of faith. To protect potential victim and accused person, the following covenant will be in force in all areas of our ministry. In addition to this policy, all clergy are subject to the Presbytery of Baltimore Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Download the full Child Protection Covenant document.