UUCSS Safe Congregation Policy and Code of Ethics
Based on the Code of Ethics by the UUA For People Working with Children and Youth
UUCSS is a spiritual community that takes seriously its responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment for everyone who participates in our congregation, placing a special emphasis on meeting the unique needs of children, youth and vulnerable adults.
UUCSS’s Safe Congregation Policy is intended to help create and support this safe and nurturing environment. A Safe Congregation provides an environment in which we may each deepen our acceptance and understanding of one another, and in which personal transformation and spiritual growth are encouraged and supported in an atmosphere of civility, mutual respect, trust and kindness.
Our commitment to creating a Safe Congregation is grounded firmly in our seven principles, and especially in our abiding belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We affirm the right of each person who participates in our congregation to seek and find spiritual, emotional and physical safety and acceptance at UUCSS. This includes safety from physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
Adults and older youth who are in leadership in our congregation play a key role in creating a safe congregation at UUCSS. The relationship between young people and their leaders must be one of mutual respect that in all ways reflects our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all people.
We will strive to support the children, youth and vulnerable adults with whom we work by treating them with respect, kindness and acceptance. Because all those involved suffer damaging effects when leaders become sexually involved with young persons in their care, we will refrain from engaging in sexual, seductive, or erotic behavior with children,youth and vulnerable adults in the community. Neither shall we sexually harass or engage in behavior with youth which constitutes verbal, emotional, or physical abuse.