Dear Trinity Community,
I am writing to you in the wake of the news that the Anglican Communion and the world received this week with regard to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev’d Justin Welby, and allegations of his failure to report and act on abuses that occurred within the Church of England while he served in ministry.
While there have not been reported here at Trinity any cases of abuse, I wanted to speak to you directly and address what we here at Trinity are doing to ensure Trinity continues to be a safe community for all those who interact with any of our ministries on campus or in the community at large.
During this last year, we have been very intentional and proactive in our commitment to ensuring that our facilities and grounds are SafeChurch compliant and have the most up-to-date policies and security measures in place. In reviewing what measures Trinity has had in place in recent years it had become evident that our systems needed updating. Considering potential and ever-evolving threats (such as robbery, active shooters, and those who would prey on the vulnerable) and in keeping with our commitment to SafeChurch practices and mandates from our denominational guidance, we have:
- First and foremost, we practice SafeChurch which is the policy of our denomination The Episcopal Church. This policy mandates ALL ministry leaders (including Bishops, Priests, Deacons, staff, and volunteers involved in ministry to Youth, the Elderly, Shut-ins, and physically and mentally disabled individuals) MUST be vetted and undergo routine and regular background checks. In addition, they must receive extensive and thorough training and certification in the SafeChurch program.
- Rekeyed all exterior facilities doors, as well as centralized, updated, and monitor our access list of key authorized individuals.
- Installed a new keypad system which gives greater control of who and when authorized individuals can enter Parish House in a centralized manner.
- Updated Space Usage policies in conjunction with the Diocesan Chancellor's office to be in line with Diocesan Canons and Church Insurance Company policies.
- Expanded our exterior and Interior camera system.
While we already have had in place cameras overlooking exterior entry access points such as the parking lot and interior cameras on the main floor of Parish House, recently we just expanded camera monitoring into the first and third Floors (excluding restrooms, Nursing Stations, and infant changing areas). The reasoning for expanded coverage into the areas of the first floor and third floors was these are areas where youth and youth volunteers are most densely populated and active. This measure is in keeping with best SafeChurch practices that have in recent years become common measures utilized for the protection of youth, elderly, and vulnerable church community populations and to deter would-be predators from their activities. All recordings are stored in an encrypted location to be made available only to law enforcement and other limited personnel as needed.
- Campus Security Lighting is also an area where we are focused and diligently in the process of updating. Currently, we are in talks with the local electrical authorities to repair the damaged parking lot overhead lights as well as repair and replace the Nave and Parish House exterior lighting.
In closing, Trinity, we are a growing church that is serving more and more young families and expanding our ministry engagements across the board overall. While the above items listed are many, they are just a snapshot, not an exhaustive list of the measures we have taken and continue to take on in the future. Trinity Parish has always taken seriously our mission to be a place that showcases the transforming love of God in Christ for the proclamation of the gospel and love God has shown us, but we can’t stop now. Pray for our parish, and thank you for your support to accomplish this mission of ours, we are entrusted by God and the community we serve to provide a safe and secure environment, a SafeChurch for all people.
Your Servant in Christ,
Chad+