Safe Church at Saint Mary’s

Caring For Our Community

We are committed to the care of all our community members, and take particular precaution to creating an environment where children and vulnerable adults can be safe. On a procedural level this means we use background checks and Safe Church Training Program through Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota.

The Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota has updated its Safe Church standards for 2026. The new document can be found at the bottom of this page.

Safe Church Training

Safe Church Training is conducted digitally through Praesidium Academy, the Episcopal Church’s learning platform that hosts Safe Church courses. Praesidium Academy also serves as the national church’s database to store information on who has been Safe Church trained and when. Courses include an Introduction and Theological Background, Organizational Rules & Policies, Inclusion, Healthy Boundaries, Power & Relationships, Pastoral Relationships, Abuse & Neglect, Bullying, and Mandated Reporter Training.

For information about who needs which trainings, see this index from the Episcopal Church of Minnesota. Contact the church administrator to sign up. Please include your role and the list of trainings you need.

Background Checks

Everyone who is in ministry with children, youth, or vulnerable adults is required to submit to a personal history check every three years, in compliance with General Convention standards. Complete the Informed Consent for Background Check form and review the relevant information on the Episcopal Church of Minnesota’s website.

Our personal history check vendor, Verified First, does not share the results of personal history checks with the government or with any third party. Only data relevant to the user’s role is checked, e.g. a Department of Motor Vehicle check when driving young people, vulnerable adults, or faith community vehicles, or a Credit Check for those with authority to write or sign checks. More information can be found on the Episcopal Church’s Screening Guidelines.

Reporting Concerns

Please contact our Priest and/or Wardens with any concerns about staff or volunteer misconduct.

Please contact the Episcopal Church of Minnesota with any concerns about clergy misconduct.

More Information