Weekly News | 9.5.25

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

    for the rights of all who are destitute. Proverbs 31:8

Each year in September, our diocese focuses on child and youth protection. It’s a time set aside to draw our attention to the policies that are in place to support churches in protecting our youngest parishioners. As a church, we are grateful for and committed to the Safe Church Initiative, which focuses on the safety of the congregation. Throughout this month, our enews will include a spotlight on different areas related to the safety and care of our congregation.

While safety policies, required trainings, background checks, trauma informed care, etc. are more recent concepts in churches and denominations, stories of harm and abuse occurring within the walls of a church, at the hands of clergy and leaders, and under the guise of discipleship are not; we lament this fact, and as devastating as it is, we are thankful that God is bringing these things to light. We long for the Church to be a place of safety; a place where people are met by Jesus and experience His love and care through His people. 

In the book A Church Called Tov, Scot McKnight explores what’s required for a church to create a “circle of tov– a culture of goodness.” Such churches nurture things like empathy, grace, justice, and a people-first culture– putting people first and “resisting the notion of the church primarily as an institution.” May COTC be such a place; a place where people are known, safe, and protected.

Be sure to look for the “safety spotlights” in our enews this month. If you have any questions or are in need of care, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Grace and peace,

Kimberly+