Safe Ministry and Complaints
Sexual abuse or sexual harassment by people in positions of trust has a destructive impact on other people’s lives. Such abuse and harassment is totally unacceptable to the Lutheran Church of Australia.
In observing Christ’s command to love one another we are to treat each other with respect and dignity. In honouring people, we are fulfilling our responsibility under the law of the land. The Lutheran Church of Australia is committed to implementing processes to ensure the church is a safe place.
The Lutheran Church of Australia is committed to hearing and responding to people who feel that they have been subjected to sexual abuse and sexual harassment in any form.
Those who hold positions of trust in the church are called to guard with great care the trust placed in them. They have an absolute responsibility to avoid all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
How to make a complaint
- Free call number
- Referral service only
Email: report.abuse@safeplace.lca.org.au
Mail: PO Box 519, Marden SA 5070
When you make a complaint you will be contacted by a specially trained person in your State who will walk with you through the process the church has established.
You will find a detailed description of the process here
A Safe Place
The term A Safe Place reflects the Church’s aspiration that we should be a safe place for all, where the grace of God is active, enabling wrongs to be confronted and healing brought to hurting people.
This policy covers complaints about sexual abuse or sexual harassment made against people acting on behalf of the church in any role.
This means that all members of the Lutheran Church of Australia should be aware of the Safe Place Policy. Congregations therefore are required to alert their members to the policy at least once a year (Awareness Training. In addition, all employees, volunteers and committee members, are required to complete Level 2 training and then refresher training (Level 3) at least every three years.
ChildSafe
The ChildSafe Safety Management System is designed to promote the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing of young people, their families and caregivers.
ChildSafe is a safety and risk management system for people working with children and young people, incorporating a safety manual, policies and an online procedure system.
ChildSafe is relevant to anyone within the Lutheran Church of Australia who engages in work with children, young people and families. It is essential that we care for the children and young people we encounter. We analyse situations and prepare so that people experience the best we can offer. To not prepare is not to care.
It is a requirement that all who are involved in ministry to children and young people to complete Child Safe training.
|
