Preventing harm and harassment is a responsibility for everyone who participates in the worship life and activities of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. This page contains the denomination’s policies and procedures for preventing and responding to harm. Resources are provided to equip church leaders to implement these policies.

Jump to: Resources for Ministries | Leading with Care Policy | Policy and Procedure for Addressing Harassment in the Church | Policy for Dealing with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment

Resources for Ministries

Ministries are encouraged to post information about the denomination’s safety policies in easily accessible places on their websites and in their buildings.

Posters are available for ministries to display in their buildings or spaces to inform people about their commitment to fostering safe church environments.

  1. Download the fillable poster
  2. Add contact information for two people who are responsible for receiving complaints or concerns in your ministry (i.e. minister, Clerk of Session, executive director, convener, etc.).
  3. Display the poster in common spaces (i.e. entrance, hallway, fellowship hall, etc.).
Safe Church Poster

Leading with Care Policy

Leading with Care Policy

Leading with Care
It is the policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada that all persons, and in particular all children, youth and vulnerable adults, who participate in the denomination’s programs, ministries and/or use the denomination’s facilities, will be cared for with Christian compassion and will be safe.
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Leading with Care Overview

REVIEW YOUR KNOWLEDGE
LEADING WITH CARE

Image of arrow pointing downLeading with Care 8.5” X 11” Poster

also available to order here

YouTube play iconWebinar on Leading with Care Updates
Image of arrow pointing downEmergency Planning Guide for Churches
Image of arrow pointing downLeading with Care – Checklists for Teachers/Leaders, Presbytery and Synod Clerks
Image of arrow pointing downLeading with Care Policy – Fillable Covenant of Care
Image of arrow pointing downLeading with Care Policy – Fillable Risk Factor
Image of arrow pointing downLeading with Care – Presbytery Clerk Checklist
Image of arrow pointing downLeading with Care – Synod Clerk Checklist
Image of arrow pointing downLeading with Care Online: Working with Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults
Image of arrow pointing downSample Annual Leading with Care Report for Grant Receiving Ministries
Image of arrow pointing downSample Leading with Care Report for Congregations
Image of arrow pointing downSample Covenant of Care
Image of arrow pointing downSample General Incident Report Form
Image of arrow pointing downSummer Programs – Overnight and Health Issues
Image of arrow pointing downDeclaration of Police Records Check
Image of arrow pointing downPolice Reference Checks and Risk Assessment Guide

For more information about Leading With Care, contact either of the following national office staff members:

David Phillips: Leading with Care Administrator

Ian Ross-McDonald: General Secretary, the Life and Mission Agency

Policy and Procedures for Addressing Harassment in the Church

Policy for Addressing Harassment in the Church

Policy and Procedures for Addressing Harassment in the Church
The policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada is that harassment of any kind shall not be tolerated and will be addressed.
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Addressing Harassment in the Church Overview

REVIEW YOUR KNOWLEDGE
POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING HARASSMENT IN THE CHURCH

YouTube iconWebinar: Understanding and Addressing Harassment
Image of arrow pointing downHuman Rights Codes and Occupational Health and Safety Legislations

To read more about The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s statements on racism and antiracism, visit the Social Action Hub.

For more information about the Policy and Procedures for Addressing Harassment in the Church, contact either of the following national office staff members:

Ian Ross-McDonald: General Secretary, the Life and Mission Agency

Carragh Erhardt: Program Coordinator, Sexuality and Inclusion

Policy for Dealing with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment

Policy for Dealing with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment

Policy for Dealing with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment
It is the policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada that sexual abuse or sexual harassment of any kind by church leaders, staff or volunteers will not be tolerated. All complaints will be taken seriously, and handled according to the terms of this policy.
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SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT TRAINING (SASH)

Online Training in the Policy for Dealing with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SASH) of the Presbyterian Church In Canada

This online training module offers a basic introduction to the SASH policy is intended for:

  • Members of Sessions, congregations and anyone in the church at large;
  • Ministers and candidates for ministry who may need a “refresher” in the policy;
  • Applicants to the Committee on Education and Reception (E&R) who have been declared eligible for reception as ministers or as candidates certified for ordination in the PCC.

The module consists of three parts to be completed in sequence:

  1. A 30-minute online video, Sexual Misconduct: Learn to Spot It, Learn to Stop It, produced by the Anglican Church of Canada.
  1. A 30-minute narrated PowerPoint presentation.
  1. A 10-question review of your knowledge.
REVIEW YOUR KNOWLEDGE
POLICY FOR DEALING WITH SEXUAL ABUSE AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT TRAINING

Image of arrow pointing downSexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Policy Brochure-Arabic
Image of arrow pointing downSexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Policy Brochure—Chinese
Image of arrow pointing downSexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Policy Brochure-English
Image of arrow pointing downPCC Policy Brochure: Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment – French
Image of arrow pointing downSexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Policy Brochure—Japanese
Image of arrow pointing downSexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Policy Brochure—Korean

For more information about the Policy for Dealing with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment, contact any of the following national office staff members:

Tim Purvis: Associate Secretary, Ministry and Church Vocations

Liz Brewer: Program Manager, Ministry and Church Vocations

Ian Ross-McDonald: General Secretary, the Life and Mission Agency

Carragh Erhardt: Program Coordinator, Sexuality and Inclusion