ABSTRACT
UMC Head Office Child Protection Policy The United Methodist Church (2)
Our hope and belief today is that the church is a place where all people will find the unconditional love and care they so desperately need to grow and thrive. But, we know that abuse occurs in churches, large and small, urban and rural. It is a problem, which cuts across all economic, cultural, and racial lines. As Christians, we must take our responsibilities to our children, youth, and vulnerable adults very seriously. While we may not be Able to completely prevent abuse in every situation, it is possible for us to greatly reduce the risk by following a policy of prevention. We are responsible to create an environment of safe sanctuary for children, youth and vulnerable adults, and those who work with them. Thus the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area has established for its local ministry-settings these minimum standards for abuse prevention to demonstrate our concern for and commitment to the safety of all our children, youth, and vulnerable adults.