A task force created to develop materials for The Episcopal Church related to anti-sexual harassment and safe church policies announces the upcoming launch of nine new training modules. Appointed by General Convention in 2018, the Task Force to Develop Model Sexual Harassment Policies and Safe Church Training surveyed the wider church about what would be most helpful in the trainings and held 18 listening sessions with some of the 403 respondents.

“The task force is extremely grateful for everyone that participated in this process – their involvement led to greater feedback and insights,” said Judith Andrews, chair of the task force.

In addition, the task force researched learning platforms for hosting and developing the modules and determined The Episcopal Church would stay with Praesidium, the abuse risk management company utilized in the past.

The task force worked closely with Praesidium to develop the following modules, with the goal of launching them in late summer 2021:

1. Introduction and Theological Background
2. Inclusion of all God’s People
3. Healthy Boundaries
4. Power Imbalances
5. Pastoral Relationships
6. Abuse and Neglect
7. Bullying
8. Anti-harassment
9. Organizational Rules and Specific Ministry Policies

The new learning modules reflect policies approved by The Episcopal Church in 2017 for the protection of children and youth as well as vulnerable adults. Each Episcopal diocese is required to adopt its own policies; model policies can be found at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/safe-church/. The task force also has proposed anti-harassment guidelines that can be found in the General Convention Blue Book.

Until new Spanish and French training modules can also be developed, subtitles and translation of the key modules will be made available. The previous Spanish and French training materials will also remain available on the Praesidium platform.

For questions, please contact Judith Andrews, chair of the Task Force to Develop Model Sexual Harassment Policies and Safe Church Training, at judy@judithandrewslaw.com, or the Rev. Shannon Kelly, director of Faith Formation and officer for Young Adult and Campus Ministries.