Safety in Church Activities Updated June 2024.pdf

June 4, 2024 To: General Authorities, General Officers, Area Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidencies; Bishoprics and Branch Presidencies; Members of Stake and Ward Councils

Safety in Church Activities

Dear Brothers and Sisters: Church activities unite members as “fellowcitizens” as described in Ephesians 2:19. In addition to providing education, entertainment, and opportunities for service, activities should be designed to help members build faith in Jesus Christ. They should also provide opportunities for personal growth, strengthen individuals and families, and help members participate in God’ s work of salvation and exaltation.

Ward and stake leaders, along with supporting councils and committees, are responsible to oversee the planning of Church-sponsored activities. This planning includes the temporal and spiritual safety of participants. To assist, leaders should use good judgment and approve activities that are well planned and follow the safety guidelines included with this letter and at safety.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Stake, ward, and youth councils should discuss guidelines and practices that ensure the safety of all participants and protect the Church and its volunteers.

Please ensure leaders review and follow these guidelines as they plan and carry out activities in your local units.

Sincerely yours, The First Presidency

Reaffirming Safety Guidelines in Activities

June 4, 2024

Activities play an important role in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Meaningful, fun, and safe activities begin with careful planning. The following are general guidelines for planning all Church activities, especially those that include children, youth, and young adults. A summary document, “Key Principles for Safe Activities,” will assist with planning. Additional information is provided in chapter 20 of General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and at safety.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

General Guidelines for Leaders

1. Complete the “Protecting Children and Y outh” training every three years (see General Handbook, 20.7.1, 38.6.2). This requirement applies to adults serving children and youth (including substitute teachers). For activities and classroom instruction, follow these key principles for protecting children and youth: a. At least two adults must be present at all virtual and in-person Church- sponsored activities for children or youth (see General Handbook, 20.7.1). b. Leaders should avoid one-on-one contact with a child or youth unless they are clearly visible to nearby leaders. Also avoid one-on-one contact through phone, texts, social media, videoconference, and so on unless other leaders are included. c. President Russell M. Nelson counseled “each of us to be alert to anyone who might be in danger of being abused and to act promptly to protect them” (“What Is True?, ” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 29). If leaders become aware of any kind of abuse or neglect, they should report it to appropriate civil authorities and counsel with the bishop immediately (see General Handbook, 38.6.2). d. If a bishop or stake president learns of any kind of abuse, he calls the Church’s 24-hour abuse help line in countries where it is available (see General Handbook, 38.6.2.1). In other countries, bishops contact their stake presidents, who seek guidance from area legal counsel.
2. Promote the spiritual, moral, emotional, and physical safety of those who participate. All conduct and interactions should be consistent with Church standards and exemplify Christlike behavior.
3. A new section “Conduct at Church Activities” in the “Permission and Medical Release Form ” helps parents and participants better understand that an activity is a privilege, not a right. The privilege can be revoked if participants behave inappropriately or pose a risk to themselves or others. Leaders should counsel about how to address concerns that may arise.
4. Prayerfully plan safe activities (see General Handbook, 20.7.6.1). Good safety planning protects not only participants but also the Church, its members, and local leaders. Activities should be appropriate for the participants’ ages, abilities, and maturity. When activities require specific physical skills or experience, it may be necessary to obtain specialized training or to use professional guides. Carefully consider individual medical risk factors, including allergies. (Visit the Planning a Safe Activity website for more information and videos.)