Safe Church Polices: Called to Right Relationship
Called to Right Relationship is a booklet outlining the policies, standards, and resources for ensuring that our congregations are safe places for all God's people.
Congregational Safe Church Self-Audit
Confidential Notice of Concern
Incident Report form
Medical/Image Relase form
Field Trip Permission form
Volunteer Application form
Volunteer Driver Information form
An online course and background-checking service can be accessed by going to shieldthevulnerable.org, clicking the "1st Time Diocese Signup" tab, and selecting "Episcopal Diocese of California" from the list. Upon completion of the course, completion certificates will be available for download and congregations can record them for compliance with their internal safe-church self-audit procedures (also available as part of the C2RR document). For questions about the policy, procedures, and training and background checking services, please contact Julia McCray-Goldsmith ( \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 415.869.7826), or the Rev. Bertie Pearson ( \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 415.869.7817).
Download instructions on how to take the online course
What is it?
Called to Right Relationship is a handbook for parishes about diocesean standards, policies, and procedures for clergy and lay leader conduct, including:
- brief theological and ethical underpinnings for the policy;
- standards of conduct for clergy and lay leaders;
- procedures for reporting misconduct;
- behavioral standards for protecting children, youth,
- elders, and dependent adults;
- definitions of terms; and
- all kinds of resources for creating safe churches (see box at right).
Resources in the Called to Right Relationship booklet include:
- Congregational Safe Church Self-Audit
- Volunteer Application form
- Guidelines for interviewing volunteers
- Recommendations for background checking and training
- Sample reference check script
- Incident Report form
- Confidential Notice of Concern
- Field Trip Permission form
- Volunteer Driver Information form
- Medical/Image Release form
- Resource on Mandated Reporting in California — Children
- Ten Rules for Respect: One Way to Build Trust
- Resolution B008 of the 2003 General Convention
Why is it needed?
It was developed with a view to making our congregations safer for all. To that end, it underscores behavioral guidelines, explains procedures for redress, and provides a wealth of resources to assist parishes in creating or building upon existing safe church practices.
Who should read it?
Certainly all clergy, youth leaders, vestry, and ministry heads — as well as anyone else who is interested.
Where can I find it?
You can download a copy now or contact Julia McCray–Goldsmith ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 415.869.7826) to request that one be mailed to you.
Additional Resources
Resource on Mandated Reporting in California – Children (Kyros Ministry)
Calif. AB 255: The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (from Kyros Ministry )
A Citizen's Guide to Preventing and Reporting Elder Abuse (from Kyros Ministry )
Publicity Resources
Promotional flier (8.5x11)
Promotional poster (20x26; can be sent to Kinko's for printing)