The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis is committed to welcoming and protecting all people who participate in activities in our parishes and at events sponsored by the diocese. Sexual misconduct on the part of any clergy person, employee or volunteer of any congregation, school or diocesan affiliated organization violates the mission of the church, is prohibited and will not be tolerated.
The Safeguarding God’s Children and Safeguarding God’s People courses teach how exploitation and harassment occur, the awareness we need to prevent such occurrences and how to respond, should an incident of exploitation or harassment occur.
Safeguarding Training
As part of its commitment to preventing sexual misconduct, the Diocese of Indianapolis requires all clergy and lay leaders and everyone who cares for children or participates in leadership roles in a church settings to complete online ‘Safeguarding’ training. Our updated Safeguarding guidelines were approved in October 2019. Download the policy.
Contact Jen Phelps with any questions about the program.
Reporting
If you need to make a confidential report about abuse or harassment that has happened within the church, please email the Rev. Suzanne Wille, the intake officer for disciplinary matters. To learn more about the Episcopal Church’s clergy disciplinary process, visit the Title IV website.
As detailed in the diocesan Safeguarding policy, “anyone who has reason to suspect that abuse, neglect, or exploitation has taken place is mandated to contact the State of Indiana Department of Health and Human Services Child or Adult Protective Services.”
Documents
Safeguarding
Background Checks and Applying for Positions
- Background Check Authorization for Volunteers (2019)
- Background Check Authorization for Employees (2019)
- Background Check Authorization for Executives/Clergy (2019)
- Diocesan Employee Handbook
Photo Release Form for Diocese
- Photo Release Form (if using for your own Parish Event, please modify with parish name)