Safeguarding
Desert Mission Anglican Church is committed to being a community where all people—especially children and vulnerable adults—are protected, respected, and cared for in the light of Christ.
In a broken world, the Church is called to walk in the light: to tell the truth, protect the vulnerable, and respond to harm with integrity, justice, and compassion. We take this calling seriously and have adopted policies, practices, and accountability structures to ensure a safe environment for worship, formation, and fellowship.
Our Commitment
At Desert Mission Anglican Church (DMAC), we affirm that:
- Abuse of any kind—physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual, or financial—is a grievous sin and is never tolerated.
- Power and authority in the Church exist for service and protection, never for exploitation.
- The safety and dignity of victims and vulnerable persons always take priority.
- All credible allegations of abuse are taken seriously, reported appropriately, and investigated.
Our Safe Church practices apply to everyone in the life of the church, not only children or youth.
Diocesan Alignment
DMAC operates under and fully complies with the Diocese of the Rocky Mountains Policy Manual for a Safe Church and the Protection of Children.
This diocesan policy sets the standards for:
- Screening and background checks
- Training and re-training
- Safe interaction and boundaries
- Monitoring and accountability
- Responding to and reporting abuse
DMAC has adopted local policies that meet or exceed diocesan requirements.
Local Safe Church Policies
The following policies guide our common life and ministry:
Churchwide Safety Policy
Boundaries for physical touch, communication, supervision, and conduct for all members and leaders.
Children’s Gatherings Policy
Specific procedures for children’s ministry, including:
- Two-adult rule
- Visibility and open-door practices
- Restroom and dismissal procedures
Reporting Abuse Policy
Defines abuse, clarifies reporting thresholds, and outlines steps for notifying civil and church authorities.
These policies apply to all ministries, events, home groups, and off-site activities.
Safeguarding Team
DMAC maintains a Safe Church / Safeguarding Team responsible for helping implement policy, receive concerns, and ensure accountability.
Current Safeguarding Team:
- Fr. Nathan R. Hale, Rector
- Dcn. Steward Toliver, Minister of Evangelism & Admin
- Debby Lefebvre, Pastoral Liaison
The Safeguarding Team works in coordination with diocesan leadership and outside authorities as required.
Screening & Training
All clergy, staff, and volunteers who serve with children or vulnerable persons are required to:
- Complete background checks at regular intervals
- Complete abuse prevention training
- Review and affirm Safe Church policies annually
No one is permitted to serve in these roles without meeting these requirements.
Healthy Boundaries
We expect all who participate in the life of DMAC to uphold healthy, Christ-centered boundaries, including:
- Touch must always be welcomed and appropriate
- No one-on-one isolation with minors
- Open, observable spaces for ministry
- Respectful speech free from shaming, sexualization, or intimidation
- Accountability wherever there is a power differential
It is always the responsibility of the person with greater power to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Reporting Concerns or Abuse
If you have a concern about boundary violations, unsafe behavior, or abuse:
Immediate Danger
Call 911 or local emergency services.
Reporting Abuse (Arizona)
Reporting to the Church
Notify the church immediately.
If the allegation involves the Rector, report directly to the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Rocky Mountains.
You do not need permission from the church to contact civil authorities.
Our Posture
We seek to be a church where:
- Survivors are believed, supported, and cared for
- Truth is spoken without fear
- Repentance and accountability are real
- Healing and restoration are pursued wisely and faithfully
We strongly recommend every regular parishioner at DMAC undergo Abuse Prevention Training through Ministry Safe. Contact us to learn more.
If you have questions about our Safe Church practices, we invite you to speak with a member of the Safeguarding Team.