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The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search |
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a healthy church...transformingLIFE |
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June 2006 |
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Faithfulness in ServiceSynod adopted the new code of standards for ministry with children and adults. Helen Phillips explains what happens next. Faithfulness in Service was adopted by the Tasmanian Synod as the new code for personal behaviour and the practice of pastoral ministry by clergy and church workers. Faithfulness in Service (FIS) is based on the first National Anglican Code of this kind and incorporates standards of behaviour with children as well as adults. Patrick Parkinson, speaking at the Australian Council of Churches Conference in Canberra in 2005, ‘Safe as Churches’, said that churches that had commenced the journey of making churches safer places needed to ensure they avoid complacency. He alerted churches to ride the crest of the next wave, continuing to update policies, practices and training. I believe this message is for us. The Tasmanian Diocese has been developing the practices set out in the 1999 Code of Practice for the Protection of Children for the past seven years and with the adoption of FIS we have taken the step to remain current and not slip behind. A significant contribution has been made to the National Model of FIS by Tasmanians through diocesan consultations and the participation of Audrey Mills on the General Synod Professional Standards Committee. Over the past 18 months I have made two presentations to the committee covering Safe Ministry training and accreditation processes. A national model of screening will soon be made available to Dioceses around Australia. This will greatly assist people moving between Dioceses. Alongside Faithfulness in Service, a Tasmanian Safe Ministry Handbook is taking shape, which includes expanded appendices, additional policies adopted by Diocesan Council, such as the Trainee Policy and procedures the Diocese has adopted, such as screening of clergy and authorised lay people. The Handbook will be updated and added to as needed and provides more flexibility in resourcing the diverse ministries which are emerging in Tasmania. Both Faithfulness in Service and the Tasmanian Safe Ministry Handbook will be found on our website in the near future. Existing Safe Ministry seminars focusing on children, young people and vulnerable people will now incorporate FIS and a new seminar will be introduced later this year which is not child-focused. Members of Synod were concerned that we continue to give the community a strong message that creating an arena of safety in our churches, organisations and events is of primary concern to us. Others were concerned that we remain vigilant in ensuring positive strategies such as mentoring, supervision and peer support groups for those in pastoral ministry. Faithfulness in Service and the developments surrounding it will provide us with a firm platform from which to embark with confidence on more broad-reaching mission opportunities. So what is the next step?Clergy and church workers will need to gain an understanding of the Code and its application to personal behaviour and pastoral ministry. My first priority is to meet with parish and organisation Safe Ministry Coordinators, seminar presenters and then incumbents. Dates will soon be published for these sessions. All church workers need to be informed about FIS, but not all have to be screened. For a list of people who need to be screened check the website for the Safe Ministry Handbook or email Helen Phillips
Helen Phillips is the Diocesan Children and Families Ministry Development and Safe Ministry Officer |
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