Beginning in 2007 each local church in the South Carolina Annual Conference was expected to write and maintain a Safe Sanctuary Policy and to review it annually. That policy must be on file in the district office and the church must provide training annually to all church members on the safe sanctuaries policy. This annual review of the local church’s policy is more critical following the settlement of the Boy Scouts of America lawsuit. To demonstrate good faith on the part of the United Methodist Church, every conference must provide assistance to each local church.
Rock Hill District has scheduled a district-wide Safe Sanctuary Training Event for Saturday, May 6, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon at Woodland UMC (801 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill). All Pastors, Lay Leaders, Chairs of Trustees, SPRC and Church Council, as well as staff and Children and Youth Coordinators should attend. The cost of this training is free, however registration is required. Each individual person must register here so we can verify participation.
District Safe Sanctuary trainers will provide in-person follow up training to the local church to review, update, and train to the church’s Safe Sanctuary Policy. For questions, more information, or to schedule an in-person training, please contact Juliette Phillpot, Rock Hill District Safe Sanctuary Coordinator – jphillpotwumc@comporium.net (803) 207-0211.
