Latest Documents Available Online

The latest Safe Sanctuaries materials are now available on the conference website, which include the latest resources based on the changes to PA State Law as well as the slides projected at the Safe Sanctuaries training at Effort UMC in October.
The new laws broaden the definition of who is a “mandated reporter” to include anyone who supervises children or youth. The mandated reporter will be required to make reports of suspected abuse directly, rather than report it to a supervisor. Mandated reporters will be required to receive additional training on recognizing and reporting child abuse. The law that went into effect on June 15, 2014 states that willful failure to report suspected child abuse can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the alleged abuse.

All EPA UM churches including those on the NE District must update their Safe Sanctuaries practices to reflect these changes in the law. If your church is not in compliance, very serious legal consequences could occur. When the Safe Sanctuaries team receives final word on future legal changes, they will be posted on the Conference website as well. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Dries, our NE District Safe Sanctuaries representative.

COPYRIGHT ALERT

Recently there have been a number of claims of copyright infringement involving Eastern Pennsylvania churches and organizations. The explosion of the internet makes it easier to create copyright infringements and also to find them. Some companies make it a business to search the internet for possible violation. Please read the attached copyright letter from Rob Shoemaker that conveys some brief information on the copyright rules.