Ministry with Registered Sex Offenders

We are called to offer grace to all persons, yet how do we best do this and protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults? By the guidelines of Safer Sanctuaries, anyone who is a registered sex offender may not be in ministry with children, youth, or vulnerable adults. Additionally, anyone who is a registered sex offender must have a covenant with the congregation with which he/she is connected. While we want to include all people in the life of the congregation, we know from research and experience that we put those who have offended in a difficult position without these boundaries in place. Keep in mind that those on the registry understand the need for boundaries, so be open and transparent.

Understanding the participation of registered sex offenders is vital in creating healthy boundaries and accountability in our congregations. 

This short video will introduce this aspect of Safer Sanctuaries, opening up conversation for small groups, during training, and in congregational gatherings. 

When developing a covenant to include a registered sex offender in your church:

• Know the state laws, and know that when this person is released and registers, it becomes public knowledge.
• Gauge the congregation, and discuss how you will present this situation to different groups in your congregation to help them understand the balance of safety and grace.
• Under NO circumstances may the person ever work with children, youth, or vulnerable adults. 
• Secure written consent from the individual to talk to his/her parole officer, and have a candid conversation with the parole officer. It is best if the three of you can meet to talk about the terms of the covenant.
• When writing your covenant, remember three things, provide safe spaces for all congregants, care for all of God’s children, and believe in repentance and forgiveness.
• Consult with your insurance agent. Ensure that the church has insurance coverage. Knowingly allowing an offender in the congregation can possibly affect insurance coverage. Make sure you talk to the insurance carrier and secure a written affirmation of coverage. Providing your agent with a covenant agreement is helpful to show the church was protecting children, youth, and vulnerable adults. 

What the Covenant Contains:

1. Begin with a Statement of Grace – Outline the redemptive power of grace and the need to create a safe place where no harm is done. Can state that the document is done for the protection of all. Ensure the vulnerable are protected. Provide accountability for the offender as well as prevent false accusations.
2. Include Terms of Participation – This will vary but should always include:
   • The individual will not accept any leadership or representational position within or on behalf of the church.
   • The individual will have covenant partners who are adults who are not related to the offender. It should be clear that a covenant partner MUST be present to be on the church grounds.
   • There should be NO relationship with a child, youth, or vulnerable adult who cannot participate in those types of ministries.
3. Parole Officer – Initial the agreement and should keep it on file.
4. Change in Leadership – All parties know about the agreement so issues will not slip through the cracks because there is a change in leadership.
5. New congregation—If the offender leaves the church and transfers to another church, the new church will be notified.

Example covenants and sample protection agreements:

• Discipleship Ministries: Protection and Integration of Known Sexual Offenders

• Foundry UMC, Washington, D.C.
• Foundry UMC Covenant Letter
• Goshen UMC, Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Fridley UMC, Fridley, Minnesota

Insurance Information 

For all sexual offenses, ensure that the church has insurance coverage for two reasons:

1. A registered sex offender is now a part of the congregation
2. Ability to provide resources for the affected party and not damage the ability of the church to continue mission.

Knowingly allowing an offender in the congregation can possibly affect insurance coverage. Make sure you talk to the insurance carrier and secure written affirmation. A covenant agreement is helpful to show the church did not participate in putting people in a vulnerable position for both insurance and court.