EPARCHIAL SAFEGUARDING POLICY:

 COVENANT OF CARE,

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY &

ABUSE AND MISCONDUCT POLICY

Declared October 1, 2020
FEAST OF THE PROTECTION OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS
Ratified NOVEMBER 1, 2020 and Promulgated DECEMBER 9, 2020
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

by Most Reverend Bryan Bayda, CSsR
Eparchial Bishop,  Eparchy of Saskatoon

This Eparchial Safeguarding Policy: Covenant of Care, Electronic Communication and Technology & Abuse and Misconduct Policy is a code of conduct which is designed to create safe and respectful church communities and healthy ministerial relationships, and to protect people from abuse and the harm that results.

In the Pastoral Letter of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC on “Safeguarding from Various Incidents of Violence towards Children, Handicapped, and Vulnerable People” (Oct 14, 2019), Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk writes:
 “With this synodal message, we affirm the desire of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church throughout the world to progress to the next stage of understanding, healing, and preventing all forms of violence against human dignity in the church environment and in the community at large, ‘working not for the sake of appearances, to please men, but as Christ’s servants, who fulfil the will of God from the heart.’ (Eph. 6:6) […] Let us make our parishes, monasteries, and seminaries places of shared responsibility and brotherhood, where bishops, priests, monastics, and lay people all grow together in faith, love, mercy, and service to one another. Let us follow the model of Jesus Christ, who ‘did not come to be served but to serve and give his life for the redemption for many.’ (Matthew 20:28) […] Dear brothers and sisters! Remember that any form of violence directed against human dignity disrespects the image of God and His likeness that are present in every person (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8). But worse in the eyes of God is the sin of His servants, who violate their oaths and scandalize the hearts of those who trusted them. These evil deeds require lasting and patient healing that is not possible without God’s grace, effective love, and mercy. Safeguarding from violence against children, minors and vulnerable persons, is the responsibility of every member of the Church – bishop, priest, consecrated person, layman and laywoman […] Let our church communities be places where everyone, especially the most vulnerable, can fully feel their human dignity and feel protected.“

In an effort to build and maintain church communities where every person feels safe and knows their full human dignity, we affirm the need for the people of God at every level of the Church to make it their responsibility to build these communities.

Part I: The Covenant of Care is a code of conduct which is designed to create safe and respectful church communities and responsible, healthy ministerial relationships, and to protect people from abuse and the trauma that results.  In implementing this Covenant of Care the Eparchy strives to provide proactive protection for:

• minors and vulnerable adults, and
• those who minister, including clergy, employees and church volunteers.

Part II: The Electronic Communication and Technology Policy is a guide to the safer utilization of technology and the communication opportunities it affords to bring the message of the gospel.  Technology does not replace the need for person to person interaction but assists us in our ability to communicate.  It is not without challenges.  It is hoped that this Policy will help to mitigate those challenges to make our online environment safer.  In this regard the Policy and Code of Conduct contained therein, must be adhered to by all who utilize this form of communication in ministry in positions of trust as defined in the Eparchial Safeguarding Policy Implementation Procedure.

Part III: The Abuse and Misconduct Policy is designed to ensure that allegations of physical and sexual abuse and other misconduct are handled responsibly, transparently and with all due care and attention.

Together these three parts form the Eparchial Safeguarding Policy, the present version of which is dated October 1, 2020, provides authoritative directives for all who minister within and on behalf of the Eparchy. This current document revokes and supersedes any previous policies and procedures regarding these matters.

To speak to someone about a concern related to the Eparchial Safeguarding Policy: Covenant of Care, Electronic Communication and Technology & Abuse and Misconduct Policy, please contact:
TBD, Eparchial Coordinator of Care
Tel.: 306-653-0138 ext. 228; Cell: 306-222-1475;
E-mail: safeguarding@skeparchy.org

Covenant of Care Training Registration Forms

Covenant of Care/Safeguarding 2020 Training Announcement & FAQ

ANNOUNCING:

Covenant of Care/Safeguarding 2020 Training Update

Send your completed training Registration Form

 to Eparchial Coordinator of Care at: safeguarding@skeparchy.org

See FAQ (below) if you are unsure about whether you need to be trained, what type of training it is and how it can be accomplished.