One COM initiative in
both presbyteries is to broaden the opportunities (and requirements) to
participate in sexual misconduct prevention training. The core values that lay
behind these initiatives include (a) everyone needs training and (b) the more
expansive the training the better equipped we will all be to protect our
children, youth and adults by creating safe environments physically and
structurally through our policies, procedures and observance of safe practices.
Training is required of
all active Ministers of Word and
Sacrament, CREs, candidates and inquirers each year. Online training is offered
through our insurer Hugh Wood / Insurance Board and can be accessed rather easily
by sending an email request for access to Carolyn McBurney in the presbytery office. (if you have used the online system before, your user ID and password will be the same)
For those who prefer a
face-to-face training, we will host a combined presbyteries training at First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande
from 9:00 – 12:00 on Friday, September 29. Please RSVP to Carolyn if you plan to attend on September 29. This
training is open to anyone who
desires to attend and will include a discussion of the dynamics of abuse, best
protective practices for keeping children, youth and adults safe, issues for
crafting a congregational policy, and a review of legal issues related to
churches.
Mary Jo Norton, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Superior, will be our presenter. Mary Jo is an experienced presenter on this subject matter. Her initial impetus to learn more and become “the local expert” relates to her being a member and in leadership at a church where abuse happened within the congregation. Because of that experience Mary Jo sought out training, then became a trainer, and has consulted with congregations on policy creation and implementation of best practices. I am confident she will help us all add to our depth and breadth of understanding. Thank you, Mary Jo!
Mary Jo Norton, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Superior, will be our presenter. Mary Jo is an experienced presenter on this subject matter. Her initial impetus to learn more and become “the local expert” relates to her being a member and in leadership at a church where abuse happened within the congregation. Because of that experience Mary Jo sought out training, then became a trainer, and has consulted with congregations on policy creation and implementation of best practices. I am confident she will help us all add to our depth and breadth of understanding. Thank you, Mary Jo!
Brad Munroe
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