Keeping our churches and communities safe is our responsibility
The Virginia Conference lifts up two required training events for all first-time appointed clergy and lay professionals. Additionally, active clergy are required to attend one ethics training each quadrennium of their appointment: Ethics 101. Please also refer to the many Resources available at the bottom of this page.
Ethics 101: Understanding Clergy Ethics
On February 20, 2023 the Virginia Conference UMC rolled out a new Clergy Ethics training through Safe Gatherings. This online training is available 24/7 and modules can be saved as you go along. The cost to complete the training is $20 to be paid online via a credit card. To take the whole training in one setting takes 1 ½-2 hours. You also have the option to log out and log back in completing the training at your own pace. To take the training download these instructions.
Ethics 102: Clergy Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
Training for Clergy Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect is an online program available from the Virginia Department of Social Services. The course is in three modules and the total completion time is about 70 minutes. While all of the examples in this online component relate to classroom issues, the Ethics Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry felt that this was the best online course available and are confident that connections can be made to ministry settings. Please save a copy of the certificate of completion offered at the conclusion of the training and email the certificate to [email protected].
This training, when incorporated as part of Licensing School, also includes resources for Safe Sanctuaries, which relates to the requirement of all Virginia Conference churches to have a current policy with procedures to reduce the risk of child abuse in the church. For more information about Safe Sanctuaries, contact the Office of Clergy Excellence.
Quadrennial Clergy Ethics Training
Appointed clergy are required to attend one advanced ethics training each quadrennium of their appointment. If you received your first appointment in this quadrennium – and attended the above two basic courses – then you have fulfilled your quadrennial requirement and do not need to attend a third course.
Attendance is required only once a quadrennium. Don’t remember if you’ve registered or attended yet? Click here for a registration listing.
The district listed is your appointed district at the time you attended training.