Cathedral Values and Safe Church

I want to take this opportunity to reiterate that how we talk to and treat each other matters. The values of the Cathedral are explicitly outlined in the Baptismal Covenant, which centers how we engage with each other and the world in relationship to the Trinity (Father-Son-Holy Spirit). This is the call for all baptized persons: to live in right relationship with each other.

Respecting the dignity of every human being means that abuse, harassment, or mistreatment of others has no place in our community.

At St. Paul’s and throughout the Episcopal Church, Safe Church is the educational standard for protecting the most vulnerable among us, maintaining healthy boundaries, holding each other accountable, and giving standardized language about how we live with each other in community. Clergy, Ministry Leaders, volunteers, and anyone with a key/door code must complete Safe Church Training and uphold the standards set forth by this training.

The Episcopal Church’s Constitution and Canons state this: “By virtue of Baptism, all members of the Church are called to the holiness of life and accountability to one another. The Church and each Diocese shall support their members in their life in Christ and seek to resolve conflicts by promoting healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life, and reconciliation among all involved or affected. Beyond Safe Church, the Constitution and Canons provide additional standards of conduct and, if required, discipline for all members of clergy, deacons, priests, and bishops should those standards of conduct be violated.

Sometimes, conflict resolution can be a simple apology; a one-on-one conversation to seek clarity and reconciliation. Other times, we may need to escalate the matter and seek support from others who are particularly equipped to help. At St. Paul’s, your clergy and vestry are open and available to support, advise, and even help mediate conflicts in the community to help us return to right relationships as a a community.

In any instance where Safe Church standards are violated, clergy and lay leadership will be swift in protecting the vulnerable and harmed, the community, and following Diocesan and Episcopal Church protocols and procedures. Should you be the recipient or observer of behavior or language that you feel may violate Safe Church standards, be swift in sharing with your clergy or lay leaders who are versant in proper steps to take action, if needed.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this, or any matter, further, please do not hesitate to contact me. My door is always open.

A favorite blessing of mine comes from Henri-Frédéric Amiel, who was borrowing from Psalm 141: “Life is short. We don't have much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk this way with us. So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind.” Let us continue to commit to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being

Dean Churchwell+

Click HERE for more about Safe Church in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.

Click HERE for more about reporting clergy misconduct within the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.

Click HERE to learn more about the Baptismal Covenant.