Safe Church requirements

At Epiphany, we take our commitment to the physical and emotional safety of children and youth very seriously. As such, all people who have access to children whether clergy, staff, or volunteer, are required to adhere to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Diocese of Pennsylvania requirements.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires all active clergy (including supply), lay employees, vestry members, and volunteers to obtain clearances in order to work with children. The law also requires that employees and volunteers be considered mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. All current clergy and employees must be in compliance with these policies, and clearances need to be renewed every 60 months.

In addition to Pennsylvania law, all active clergy (including supply), lay employees, vestry members, volunteers, and key holders, and teenage assistants (14-17 years) in the Diocese of Bethlehem must complete Safeguarding Trainings. These trainings must be renewed every 36 months. Safeguarding Training is done online.

To view the specific requirements and procedures, click here to go to the Diocese of Bethlehem's website. Anyone active in the parish is welcome to take the trainings in preparation for working with children and youth at Epiphany