Our congregations strive to be safe and welcoming places to all. It is impossible to make a congregation 100% safe; however, there are steps that you can take to make your congregation safer while still creating a supportive space for learning, growth, and challenge as well as actively working for the inclusion and safety of all people.
This section contains resources for congregations to prevent and address violence, abuse, harassment, inappropriate behavior, and other threats to safety. The sample policies and suggestions contained here will help you take steps towards creating a safer congregation that lives our faith and values.
Promoting Appropriate Behavior
Becoming a Safer CongregationA Guide to Effective Safety Policies and Practices
An online guide for congregations to improve their safety policies and practices with people, places, and things. Replaces The Safe Congregations Handbook.
Responding to Threats and Incidents
UUA Community Resilience Hub
A collection of resources gathered for Unitarian Universalists, UU congregations, and communities for guidance and support for the sacred work of making meaning in a time of instability and fear.
Congregational Incident Report
A form has been created for congregational leaders like yourself to report incidents of bigotry and hate as directed towards your staff and/or congregation. The information collected here will help support you and other leaders going forward.
UU Trauma Response Ministry (UUTRM)
The volunteer-run Unitarian Universalist Trauma Response Ministry (UUTRM) provides culturally sensitive spiritual care to survivors of mass disasters and other significant trauma.
Professional Misconduct Complaints
Addressing Professional MisconductSexual, Financial, and Other Types
Our ministers, credentialed religious educators, and credentialed music leaders are held to high standards for appropriate behavior. Our Office of Ethics and Safety handles Complaints of Professional Misconduct for these professionals who serve our faith. The UUA’s system for responding to complaints of professional misconduct is grounded in principles of restorative justice and reconciliation.
Pandemic Guidance
Pandemics
When outbreaks of life-threatening disease are spreading, and the possibility of pandemic is near, we can often feel helpless. But as communities of faith, we have a significant role to play in the prevention of pandemics and the response to pandemics when they occur. Leading Our Congregations…