Keeping Our Children Safe

Like many of you, I am deeply grieved by the news last week of the Pennsylvania Catholic priests who serially abused hundreds of children over 70 years. And I was, likewise, devastated to hear the recent reports of Protestant pastors and leaders who have done the same. Attempts to cover up those attacks on human worth and dignity are inexcusable, and the church’s failures to address the problem of child sex abuse is grievous.

The number of people affected by child sex abuse is staggering – 20% of our Christ Church congregation, statistically on any given Sunday, are abused victims who are struggling on some level towards wholeness and healing in Christ. Of course sexual misconduct mostly occurs outside churches, but the church can and should take leadership to address this enormous societal problem.

Under Bishop Andrew’s episcopate, the Diocese of Western Anglicans has made it the highest priority to make Anglican churches safe for children. Our diocese has instituted a program whereby all leaders, starting with the rector and all who have contact with children, will be trained in sexual misconduct prevention (Ministry Safe), and a background check done to insure children’s safety. We follow the child safety guidelines of our diocese, and we are always looking for ways to do even better. Also, our healing ministry regularly prays for those affected by sex abuse, and we have connections across the Valley to refer parishioners who will benefit from counseling.

 

Christ Church Anglican is a congregation of imperfect, wounded Christians who are looking to God’s perfect salvation in Christ, and to the healing that God wants for us in the power of his Holy Spirit. Please know that we value the worth and dignity of every parishioner, and especially our children, “for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

In Christ,

Chuck Collins

Interim Rector