Dear members and friends of the Canadian Unitarian Council, 

As Unitarians and Unitarian*Universalists, we have covenanted to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  

If we are to provide caring and trusting communities in which to learn, grow, worship and serve, we must ensure that everyone who joins us feels valued, safe and secure. We are always hoping to build upon our foundation of trust, fellowship, respect and love.  

Through our association with the Ontario Screening Initiative, the following “Safe Church” and “Screening in Faith” materials are offered on our web site for your information and reference.  

As Unitarians and Unitarian*Universalists, we understand that our religion is strongly based in congregational polity. Through congregational polity, our individual congregations take on the authority in policy development and governance. Our association of Canadian congregations, the CUC, may suggest guidelines and procedures that a congregation may want to use, in developing safer congregations, effective and supportive volunteer management, abuse prevention and overall congregational wellness and vitality, but we do not offer or enforce CUC-wide processes. Each congregation develops their own policies, procedures and processes.  Each province will have laws and statutes to be referenced and followed.  

The following “safe congregations” materials, resources, congregational samples, links to several “screening champions” and Ontario Screening Initiative/Volunteer Canada resources are offered for your information and adaptation.

We welcome your congregation’s additions to this site, as we learn and grow in safety and in trust!