The Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek (UUSMC) is a community committed to protecting the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The Board of Trustees covenant to affirm ways to help prevent physical, sexual and emotional abuse to children, young people, and adults. We will rapidly and carefully respond to allegations of abuse with professional integrity with the intent to affirm justice, equity and compassion in all our relations. We know that religious communities are not immune to the dangers of sexual abuse. If abuse occurred, it would be a tragedy, not only for the abused, but also for their families, our congregation and our wider community as well. This policy is adopted with our sincere desire to provide an open and transparent dialogue within our congregation concerning issues of abuse; to develop appropriate screening mechanisms that are consistent with best practices; and to develop policies for the guidance of those who interact with children on a regular basis.
While openness to a wide variety of individuals is one of the prime values held by our congregation and expressed in our denomination’s purposes and principles, we affirm the belief that our congregation must maintain a secure atmosphere where such openness can exist. When any person’s physical and/or emotional well-being or freedom to safely express his or her beliefs or opinions is threatened, the source of this threat must be addressed firmly and promptly, even if this ultimately requires the expulsion of the offending person or persons.
This policy applies to all UUSMC programs, events or activities, whether at the church or off-site, where adults and children are present together. All members of the congregation share in the responsibility to understand and comply with the Safe Congregation Policy.