Principles on which our policy is based

It is recognised that individuals who have committed certain offences and who want to worship or have contact with a church or with a church-based activity or community can cause anxiety and worry for other members of that community. It is also recognised that, as far as is possible, the Church is for everyone. This may mean including someone in the life of a church who challenges the sense of values and shared norms of many of those already in the congregation.

The rationale behind including those who pose a risk is to enable everyone to worship safely and enjoy Christian fellowship, but with proportionate and sensible measures in place to mitigate and minimise any risk posed.

Worship

Simplistically, for the purposes of this chapter and process, we understand worship as including the taking part in church service or faith-related activities such as Bible studies, groups or Christian-based exploration and activities.

Church-based or church-led groups or activities

There are too many different organisations and events run by a church or congregation that might apply to this policy to list definitively. The key is that these events are run by the Church for the benefit of their members or of the wider community. These will not ordinarily be one-off events but organised meetings, activities or groups that meet periodically.

Any need for formal arrangements would be made on a case-by-case basis through discussion with every stakeholder.

It also may be that the individual wishes to be a volunteer in some way; for example, in cutting grass or other odd jobs or other voluntary tasks that need done in a Church community.

Principles

Principles are similar to values, the things we hold dear or believe to be right and govern our actions:

These principles are the basis for all that we do. In addition, we will ensure:

Confidential information sharing: The duty to protect takes precedence over an individual's right to confidentiality whenever a risk is identified

and

Decision making: The responsibility for making decisions is a joint one and not the responsibility of any single person.