We cannot afford to risk abuse

Despite greater public awareness surrounding sexual abuse, I was appalled to read in the March 2005 issue that some churches are still reluctant to implement programs that not only safeguard children but also the adults who are responsible for their care. I would point out to congregations who are concerned that complying with the stipulations will be too expensive to implement and enforce, that non-compliance may in the end be costlier, and not only in financial terms. Can we afford not to do everything in our power to ensure that children are safe in our churches? Everyone wants to believe their church is exempt and that it is not possible for sexual abuse to occur in their congregation. Pretending we are not vulnerable will not make this problem go away. I do not believe, as Rev. Peter Coutts writes "that we're boxing ourselves in with a policy that we're obligated to follow that could leave us vulnerable to insurance companies." Far better to be vulnerable to insurance companies than to sexual predators. I applaud the new safety measures and agree with David Harris's excellent editorial that "no one can rationally object to making the church a safer place for ministry".