Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Abuse, Exploitation and Harassment
As a community of Christian faith, SonLight Chapel is committed to creating and maintaining programs, facilities and an environment in which members, friends, staff and volunteers can worship, learn and work together in an atmosphere free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, exploitation or intimidation. All persons associated with SonLight Chapel should be aware that the church is opposed to all forms of physical, mental and verbal exploitation, harassment, abuse, discrimination and/or neglect and that all such behavior when shown on church property or at church activities is prohibited by church policy.
Handling of Complaints and Misconduct
It is the intention of the church to be proactive in an attempt to prevent behavior that is contrary to this policy, but should there be complaints of sexual harassment or molestation, they are to be reported to the SonLight Chapel Safety Officer. The Safety Officer will conduct investigation of the complaints and lead any follow-up action required per SonLight Chapel Disciplinary Procedures.
SonLight Chapel elders are committed to confidentiality of all personal data and information. Confidential forms and documents will be stored in a securely locked cabinet, accessible to only the persons who have need of the information.
SonLight Chapel elders are also committed to accurate reporting of all suspected sexual exploitation or sexual harassment, as required by federal and state law.
Conduct of Leadership and Volunteers
Consistent with our understanding of the priesthood of all believers, all pastors, elders and other elected and appointed lay volunteers serve as ministers to the congregation. It is important that each one of them be adequately prepared and educated for the ministry in which they serve others, and to understand the ways in which their use or misuse of authority may impact others. It is the policy of SonLight Chapel to encourage its leadership and volunteers to nurture others safety by being attentive to self-care, education, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources.
Discrimination, Abuse, Sexual Exploitation or Sexual Harassment of parishioners or others by anyone engaged in ministry on behalf of SonLight Chapel is unethical behavior and will not be tolerated within this congregation.
Requirements Specific to Leaders and Volunteers of Children and Youth
SonLight Chapel is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment in which young people can learn about and experience God’s love. In order to promote this, we have established the following additional requirements.
- We expect that those who volunteer to work with minors will have been members of SonLight Chapel for at least six months or, if not a member, regularly and frequently associated with SonLight Chapel for at least a year.
- All volunteers who regularly work with children and youth will complete and submit disclosure documents and will undergo all background checks, as determined by the SonLight Chapel Safety Officer.
- All volunteers who regularly work with children and youth will receive regularly scheduled instruction from the SonLight Chapel Safety Officer regarding safe church policy and child safety training.