Safe Church

Grace Christian Reformed Church (CRC) is firmly committed to making the church and church related activities safe from sexual, physical and emotional abuse.  We recognize the potential for abuse is a reality in our society, and Grace CRC has the responsibility to ensure that everyone involved in our fellowship is protected from abuse, especially children.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of abuse and will terminate any employee and remove any volunteer who engages in abuse of any kind.

To create the safest possible environment for everyone involved in Grace CRC activities, policies and procedures have been developed with the goal of preventing any instances of abuse.  This includes: 

• guidelines for behavior of adults responsible for caring for children
• careful screening to guard against involvement in our programs of volunteers or leaders with any record of prior abuses
• obtaining written assent from church activity leaders that they agree to our Safe Church Policy
• making sure that more than one individual in any leadership role is present to help assure that no abuse takes place
• promptly reporting to appropriate public authorities any instances of inappropriate behavior or alleged abuse. 

The goal of this policy is to prevent any abuse in any of the programs and activities of Grace CRC.

            The principles, statements, and guidelines in this Grace CRC Safe Church Policy are intended to assure a safe environment for children and adults.  We recognize that abuse can have devastating consequences, both for the abused and the abuser, and harmful effects on organizations where it takes place.  The protection of children and minors who participate in Grace CRC activities and programs is the first and foremost goal of this policy. In addition, Grace CRC also strives to protect its staff and volunteers from false allegations of abuse, and to reduce the church’s legal risk by meeting the test of reasonable care.

            The Grace CRC Safe Church Policy addresses many aspects of abuse to help volunteers and leaders identify and guard against abuse. The policy is intended to motivate everyone in leadership positions to place a high priority on abuse prevention.  It is also intended to better equip the leadership to recognize, prevent, and deal responsibly with any abuses that may occur.  This policy is organized to facilitate reference to the many aspects of abuse, all with the goal of providing an abuse-free environment in all of the church’s programs.

The Council of Grace CRC has appointed three people to the Safe Church Committee. They are Pastor Victor Kim, Anita van der Merwe, and Sharon La.

If anyone experiences any kind of abuse, or observes or hears of any kind of abuse occuring within the Grace community, please contact one of these three people. You can find their contact information in the church directory.

In the State of Virginia, mandated reporters include ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, or duly accredited practitioners of any religious organization or denomination. The pastor (or pastors) of Grace are therefore required to report when they have reason to suspect that a child’s parent or other person responsible for the child’s care has abused or neglected a child.

For the complete policy adopted by the Council in August of 2025, please click here.