The Policy, Code of Conduct and Ministerial Standards for Church Personnel Working With Minors and Vulnerable Adults
To facilitate healing and reconciliation of those harmed by abuse and to ensure we do our very best to prevent future occurrence of such abuse, the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People decreed that “dioceses are to have policies and procedures in place to respond promptly to any allegation where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor has occurred.”
In May 1994, the Diocese of Charleston developed its first policies to create safe environments for children and young people and to guide our response to allegations of abuse. Our current policy, promulgated by Bishop Guglielmone February 21, 2022, evolved from that starting point and is designed to work in concert with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, A Statement of Episcopal Commitment, and the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons and other Church Laws. It is revised as these foundational documents evolve, as required by Church Law, or as otherwise indicated and has become a document that fully reflects the mandates and spirit of the Charter and our desire to live a culture of faith and safety. You may access our policy in English or Spanish by clicking on the appropriate link above.
It is the policy of the Diocese of Charleston that all church personnel with access to minors or vulnerable adults will read and sign the Code of Conduct Acknowledgement Form. Reading and understanding the policy will reinforce for you our shared commitment to healing those harmed by abuse and ending abuse, particularly sexual abuse, in our community. It will also engage you personally by defining what is expected of you in your ministry and help you understand your role in creating the safest environment possible for those in our care.