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  705 Doctors Drive, Kinston, NC 28501  ·   (252) 522-0885  ·     Resources

Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina
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    • Model Policies for Safeguarding
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Model Policies for the Protection of Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults

The Episcopal Church has always strived to be a safe place for all to gather, to learn, and to worship. To that end, for decades we have had programs in place to set standards and provide education for protecting the vulnerable among us. As with all things, these programs must be reviewed and improved periodically. General Convention in 2015 called for this review, the result of which is a set of Model Policies to be enacted church wide.

These new policies replace outdated policies from the early 2000's. These newer policies call for a higher level of accountability in our ministries, parishes, and in the diocese. With them, we will be protecting a greater range of people including both children and adults to keep those who are most vulnerable safe from harm.

Guarding them is work and requires attention to detail. An increase in accountability, by necessity brings additional responsibility to maintain accurate and timely records as well as to implement and follow the policies and procedures. We should remember that we are not being penalized for what has been done in the past, we simply seek improvement.

While implementation may at first feel complicated and onerous, by our Baptismal Covenant we are called to strive for justice and peace. In this case that means to strive to improve our protection of the vulnerable from “good” to better – even to best practices. Please bear in mind, no one is alone in this, support can be found at Diocesan house as we navigate these new and updated policies.

On this page you will find the Model Policies that were reviewed, adapted for use in our diocese, and approved by Executive Council. Information about how to implement these in your parish and the new policies and procedures on background checks were mailed and emailed to parishes and diocesan organizations in late October 2021.

All eight Safe Church Safe Communities Training Modules available through Praesidium Academy. Please reference the letter templates found HERE regarding which modules need to be taken by particular staff and volunteer positions.

Model Policies for the Protection of Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults

March 31, 2022 Resolution from Executive Council Regarding Changes to Appendix A

COMING SOON - Parish Audit forms and an Updated Appendix A from The Episcopal Church's Safe Church Safe Communities Council of Advice.


A Collect for Safe Church, Safe Communities
Holy Creator, we offer our gratitude for the opportunity to live in community, where we can take comfort in others and be nurtured when needy, fed when hungry, and protected when threatened. Guide us as we strive to protect those in our midst who are most vulnerable and innocent, respecting the dignity of all humans, so we can more fully and appropriately love our neighbors and ourselves. Help us to be examples in the world in the likeness of your son Jesus, who spoke truth to power, gave hope to the hopeless, and loved selflessly. We humbly ask for all of this through the gift of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Video from the Safe Church Office of The Episcopal Church


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of training and background checks do volunteers need?

A. Using Appendix A from the Model Policies as a quick reference you can see most regular roles in parishes and organizations listed and the requirements.

Updated Appendix A

Q: I am an administrator for Safeguarding in my parish or organization. How do I access the new Praesidium Academy?

A: In early January when all of the modules are up and running, some orientation session will be offered to help administrators learn to use the new system. Please use the link below to register.

How do I become a Parish Praesidium Program Administrator

Q: I have a question about the Model Policies, Background Checks or Safeguarding God's Children that I cannot find the answer in the information provided on this page.

A: Please email Jimi Paderick, Ministry Coordinator for questions regarding: Background Checks or Praesidium Administrators. Please email Emily Gowdy Canady, Missioner for Lifelong Christian Formation for questions regarding: Praesidium Academy Modules both content and who is required to take which modules.



Model Policies: Background Checks

Please use the following information to assist you and your parish in ensuring all clergy, staff, and volunteers have completed the appropriate background check.


Per the Module Policies adopted by the Executive Council of the Diocese of East Carolina on November 20, 2020, background checks must be renewed every 5 years.


Updated Background Check Information

FAQ About Background Check…

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Model Policies: Praesidium Training & Modules

All members of our parishes and organizations are strongly encouraged to take the four modules of Safe Church, Safe Communities called Universal Training. Universal Training modules plus any combination of five other modules are required to be in certain roles or positions on parish staffs, as volunteers, or in parish or diocesan leadership.

Please understand the assignment of …

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Parish Praesidium Manager Resource Videos

Jimi Paderick, Ministry Coordinator, is happy to provide support for those in parishes and organizations who are responsible for managing those in their parishes who need to take Safe Church, Safe Communities Trainings.

Emily Gowdy Canady, Missioner for Lifelong Christian Formation, is glad to answer questions regarding module content and which roles are required to take which m…

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Model Policies for the Protection of Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults Model Policies: Background Checks Model Policies: Praesidium Training & Modules Parish Praesidium Manager Resource Videos

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Addresses

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1336
Kinston, NC 28503

Physical Address:
705 Doctors Drive
Kinston, NC 28501

Contact Us

Diocesan House Phone:
(252) 522-0885

Trinity Center Camp & Conference Center:
(252) 247-5600

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Location

Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina
705 Doctors Drive
Kinston, NC 28501

Contact Us
(252) 522-0885

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Resources Administrative Resources Clergy Resources Parish Resources Spiritual Resources

Here are some of our most frequently requested resources. To see our entire list of resources, click on the All Resources button below.

Worship Guidelines Letters from the Bishop Hurricane Hub 2023 Cycle of Prayer

All Resources

Please submit your past-due reports ASAP! If you have questions, reach out to Litisha or LaTonya. 2023 Due Dates for Canonically-Required Reports and the 2023 Parish Contact Form and 2023 Audit Criteria Request Form are now available in our Resources. You can also find them here:

2023 Due Dates for Canonically-Required Reports

More Administrative Resources

As of March 31, 2022 there are updated Guidelines for Public Worship in the Diocese of East Carolina. You may view them by clicking the button below:

Guidelines for Public Worship

Bishop's Visitation Guidelines 2022-2023 Bishop's Visitation Schedule

More Clergy Resources

Building your volunteer ministry?

  • Model Policies for the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults
  • Background Checks

Guidelines for Public Worship 2023 Cycle of Prayer Stewardship Resources

More Parish Resources

Ready to go deeper in your spiritual life?

  • Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
  • Center for Action and Contemplation
  • The Growing Edge
  • Wild Goose Festival
  • The January Adventure
More Spiritual Resources