A Letter from Bishop Chris
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
God has much to say in the Scriptures about protecting and caring for vulnerable people. This is foundational to being God’s people. We are called to advocate for the powerless and to protect those who are vulnerable. We do this because this is God’s character and will. Simply put, God’s heart is for the vulnerable because God is a God of justice, mercy, and love.
It is the expectation of Scripture and the church that those in leadership positions are called to serve and protect others. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock…” (1 Peter 5:2–3 NIV). The reality of leaders who failed in their call to serve and instead damaged God’s people in pursuit of their own ends is described as far back as the time of the exile (Ezekiel 34:1–6). Ezekiel heard and recorded God’s anger and distress over the harm done, his condemnation of predatory behavior, and God’s promise to send his own Shepherd who would care for the people and “shepherd the flock with justice,” a promise realized fully in the person of Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 34:7–11, 16, 2223).
Thus, it is imperative that we develop churches that seek to protect our most vulnerable—including children, youth, and adults—from abuse. We must learn how to care for those among us who have been harmed or abused by others. And we must recognize that confession of sin and restoration are possible for those who have been hurt and for those who have hurt others. Our churches should be places of healing in which the gospel of grace and the love of God can restore those who are damaged by sin of all kinds.
As Christ’s under-shepherds, clergy are to lead the way in accordance with Scripture’s mandates and the promises made in our ordination vows. Protection of all those in your care—and particularly children and vulnerable adults—is a priority. Clergy must set up accountability measures within your churches that enable staff, volunteers, and the vestry to hold each other accountable as well as to hold clergy accountable. Open communication without fear is imperative.
I commend to you the following Policy for the Protection of Children and Adults. This thoughtful and comprehensive policy sets forth requirements and standards for the protection of children and vulnerable adults in the churches and ministries of our Diocese. It is the cumulative result of the wisdom of experts in this field, as well as legal counsel and children’s, youth, and pastoral care workers, both staff and volunteers. Additional resources are available in the Safeguarding section of the diocesan website.
Please read this policy carefully. It is vitally important that congregations, church plants, and mission fellowships follow its requirements and standards. Variances to specific provisions of the policy may be requested but must be approved by the Bishop and the Standing Committee with the advice and counsel of the Safeguarding Committee Chair and the Chancellor of the Diocese. If you have questions, or to apply for a variance, please contact the Administrator of the Diocese at 703-590-5470.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend Chris Warner