Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC)

A Place of Support

A new commitment in the lives of faith communities, the Safe Church/Safe Sanctuary movement began in the early 2000’s.  Much of the energy in the movement came from the litigation against clergy who were accused of sexual or ethical misconduct with minors.  Today, this movement has become a forum for best-practices in professional and volunteer ministries that care for all at-risk people, regardless of age or ability.

Perhaps the most famous promise in all Christendom is heard in the 23rd Psalm. Here the Psalmist expresses confidence of God’s protection when he ends with: “and I shall dwell in the house of God for ever.” It is no coincidence that so many families request this Psalm at the funerals of loved ones. People want and need assurance that there is some place of safety here on earth and beyond. It is no accident that the worship space in a church is called a sanctuary… a place of refuge, of hope, of safety. For hundreds of years the church, the sanctuary, was sacred space that could not even be invaded by kings, anyone who entered was safe in God’s hands.

Towards a Deeper Understanding

People still need to find sanctuary in God and should be able to find our churches a safe space. All people should be able to “dwell in the house of God for ever.”   At Rock Spring, our witness for the safety of all began in 2004, with the work of the Board of Christian Education, in naming Rock Spring a place of support for the survivors of clergy sexual misconduct.

Embracing a fuller understanding of support and prevention, our congregation is completing the process of becoming a “Safe Church.”  Information on our process can be found here:
http://www.rockspringucc.org/church-life/christian-education/safe-church/

A Resolution Affirming Rock Spring Congregational UCC as
A Place for Support for Survivors of Clergy Abuse

In light of our UCC Statement of Faith, the Covenant of Rock Spring Church, and our steadfast belief in Christ’s message of healing love, we affirm:

• That church should be a safe place.
• That we abhor coercion and brutality committed behind the cloak of God’s work.
• That abuse and its concealment are crimes against the mind, soul, and family, as well as against the body.
• That the church is a place for seekers of faith, as much as for believers.

Therefore,

To all survivors of sexual and physical abuse by clergy and others, we extend the support and fellowship of our congregation. We pray for God’s blessing and peace upon all victims of abuse, and assert our hope that Rock Spring Church may be one among many sources of healing, renewal, and community.