Priorities of the Parkside Church community
- A priority of Parkside Church is protecting our community, particularly those who are vulnerable (ie: people aged 0 to 18, those with disabilities, and the aged) and caring for those who are victims and survivors of abuse, crimes, or other traumatic experiences.
- A priority of Parkside Church is being inclusive. This often includes those who may have been stigmatized or rejected by society. Balancing these two priorities is essential. Jesus boldly invited all to come to him. Parkside Church strives to faithfully echo that invitation through a commitment to establish and maintain an inviting community.
Stigmatized or Rejected Individuals
Any congregation will encounter individuals who have committed acts of abuse. Jesus responded to those who did not want to welcome those who were stigmatized or rejected by society by stating: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Protecting our Community and Caring for Survivors
Parkside Church should be a safe community in which all are protected and nurtured. To this end, Parkside Church has agreed to specific boundaries and policies to create a safer community and to provide opportunities for survivors to feel safer within the community, tell their stories, heal, and be affirmed. Although it may be uncomfortable to do so, it is essential for a congregation to be informed and to practice love and heal brokenness.
The Kingdom of God is about relationship, hospitality, and resurrection, so Parkside Church is also committed to these qualities. Inadequate attention to concerns for safety and protection will destroy the vision for God’s Kingdom to be near to us.
Parkside Church will not ignore, overlook, or underestimate the harm and criminality of abuse and has implemented the safeguards necessary to form the sort of safer communities that God desires.
As followers of Jesus, Parkside Church must stand in the tension of the priorities of inclusion and protection, so we may embody Jesus’ vision for the Kingdom of God.
- We commit that protection is our first priority. We affirm the essential responsibility to keep children and other vulnerable peoples from harm and Parkside Church’s responsibility to listen to survivors.
- We commit to reporting abuse. The steps for reporting, documenting, and supporting victims are outlined in our full policy.
- Without delay, any reported credible threat of violence to one’s self or another person especially a domestic partner must be reported at once.
- Without delay, any suspected abuse or neglect of a vulnerable person (sexual, emotional, or physical) must be reported to the police and/or adult or child protective services at once.
- Without delay, any violations of retraining orders must be reported to the police at once
Reporting is the best possible way to protect our community.
- We commit to practice protection. Background checks, guidelines, and covenants for sexual offenders cannot take the place of protection policies, ongoing education, and team vigilance. These measures create boundaries to protect our community.
- We commit to know our limitations.
- We commit to having partnerships with professionals who can advise in specific situations, review policies, and educate the community and its leadership.
- We recognize that Parkside is not able to include every individual in all congregational activities.
Because Parkside Church seeks to minimize the risks to vulnerable people, we follow these steps:
- Federal and state compliant screening for all who volunteer or work with vulnerable community members or could be seen as a leader by these members.
- General and area-specific safety guidelines followed during all church-sponsored events.
- Compliance with policies governing response and reporting for an incident, allegation, or disclosure of abuse.
- Mandated training for all who work with vulnerable people and area or project leaders.
- Compliance with the policy for known sexual offenders attending services of the congregation.
- Other general safety guidelines.