Safe Church
The Diocese of Milwaukee is committed to fostering communities in which its members and guests can explore their faith, exercise their ministries, and live out their vocations in safe and healthy settings. We are committed to keeping everyone safe, particularly our children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
The Episcopal Church has developed recently new model policies, one for the Protection of Children and Youth, and one for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults. There is new training that is consistent with those model policies. Our diocesan policy regarding misconduct prevention and best practices is currently being updated and is still available. The policy includes our policy for best practices for Guidelines of Using Social Media and updated forms for background checks on church employees (both paid and volunteers).
Safe Church, Safe Communities is the program we are following. View the video below for a six-minute introduction that emphasizes the importance of Safe Church, Safe Communities as we share the love of Jesus Christ.
Links to all Safe Church materials and class registrations are found below.
Background Checks
Does your parish need to conduct background checks on lay employees or volunteers? Please email the following information to to request background checks. Include a spreadsheet with the following information:
- Parish & parish city
- Appropriate contact person with whom to share the results of the check (if not the parish's clergy)
- First & last name of the person being checked
- Email of the person being checked
A standard check costs $23. Parishes with an operating budget above $150k will be invoiced for the background check costs. The diocese will cover the costs of background checks for parishes with an operating budget below that threshold. If you have any other questions, please email
Safe Church Training
Our diocese uses the Safe Church, Safe Communities program created by Church Pension Group that helps in the education and training for preventing and responding to sexual abuse in everyday life and in ministry. It is geared to clergy, parents, youth workers, vestry members, congregation members who are responsible for protecting children and adults, employees of churches and church organizations, and volunteers responsible for planning, implementing or supervising ministries, activities or programs.
You may complete your Safe Church training online. You are no longer required to do your initial training in person. If you have questions, please email Deacon Terry Garner.
Re-Certification is required every three years and may be completed online.
Safe Church Online Training Registration
This registration is to complete all training offered through our online courses. You may print your own certificates when you complete all the online required courses.
Safe Church Materials
Model Policy For The Protection Of Children And Youth
Model Policy For The Protection Of Vulnerable Adults
Episcopal Church Safe Church web page