Here is an example of one congregation's attention to the "tough issue" of safety and right relationship in its RE program.

Code of Ethics Covenant for Leadership Roles
Ministry of Religious Education

In response to an increased awareness and understanding of the importance of relationships between adults, youth, and children in the church environment, the Religious Education Committee has revised this Code of Ethics. Please read this carefully. You are asked to embrace these standards and covenant to follow the behavioral guidelines as you engage in the shared ministry of religious education at Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church.

Adults and older youth in leadership roles are in positions of stewardship in fostering spiritual development. It is especially important that those in leadership positions provide appropriate nurture, care, and support. Spiritual growth in human beings involves, physical, emotional, intellectual, and sexual identities. Please be mindful that all communication has the potential to carry harmful messages. Communication includes body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, as well as the choice of words in written and verbal expression.

Children, youth, and adults suffer damaging effects when leaders engage in physical, emotional, verbal, or intellectual abuse of any kind. In addition, behavior that is seductive or erotic or contains sexual innuendo can be especially damaging. As a leader and role model in the Religious Education program at Heritage, you are asked to enter a covenant to follow these guidelines.

As I engage in the shared ministry of religious education I covenant to:

• be mindful that spiritual growth, both my own and that of others, encompasses all of the following aspects of relationship (spiritual).
• be consciously gentle and non-threatening in all physical contact and proximity with children, youth, and adults (physical).
• communicate in a manner that is positive and affirming, as feelings and ideas are shared most honestly in a safe environment (emotional-intellectual).
• refrain from all behaviors, verbal and physical, that are in any way erotic, seductive or sexual in nature; including sexual innuendo (sexual).
• I understand that in case of violation, appropriate action will be taken.

Welcome and welcome back to the adventure of teaching religious education at Heritage. Thank you for sharing your time and gifts and engaging in this most important ministry to the youngest members of our congregation. The director of religious education and your RE Committee class- level liaison are always available to answer any questions you may have and to serve as support and touchstone resources as the trimester unfolds.

Position Overview
I understand that I am a member of the teaching team for the (Preschool) (K-1) (2-3) (4-5) (Jr. High) (Sr. High) level class during the (fall) (winter) (spring) trimester. I agree to coordinate with the other members of my team, to schedule the teaching rotation and lesson plans for the trimester. A copy of the completed schedule will be given to my RE Committee liaison at the beginning of the trimester.

If I am unable to teach on a Sunday I have agreed upon, I understand it is my responsibility to contact other team members first to arrange a schedule change. When substitution within the team cannot be accomplished, I will then contact my RE Committee liaison as soon as possible. I understand the team is not responsible for teaching when Intergenerational Worship Services are scheduled, as noted on the trimester calendar/planning forms. I will be notified of any changes that occur.

Sunday Morning Time Commitment
On scheduled teaching days, I agree to arrive at church 15 minutes before the service begins to prepare the classroom and materials. I understand that on most Sundays, the children and youth participate in the service opening or youth worship from about 10:30 to 10:45. Religious education in-class time is typically 10:45 to 11:45.

Weekly Classroom Clean-up
I understand it is my responsibility to leave my class space in order and free of clutter each week. I will return all supplies to the appropriate storage spaces and dispose of extra paper materials in the recycling bin located in the church office. If snacks or 'glitter type' projects have resulted in the need to vacuum or sweep, I agree to do so and/or to recruit kids to help. The HUUC vacuum is located in the great room storage closet, and the broom and the dustpan are located in the Kitchen storage closet. This is especially important for Preschool and K-1 classes, which share space with the YMCA K-Care program.

Document Checklist/References
My signature at the bottom of this form indicates that as a religious educator at Heritage, I have read and agree to follow these policies and this code of ethics. My signature also grants permission to contact the references I have provided and to have a background check initiated.

I have received and read a copy of the following documents and placed them in my teaching manual for reference as needed.

1. Code of Ethics for working with children and youth
2. Religious Education Teacher Covenant
3. Religious Education Teacher Volunteer Position Description
4. Religious Education Committee Liaison Position Description
5. Trimester Calendar Schedule/ Planning Form
6. Heritage UU Church Safety Policy, Fire Drill/Field Trip Procedure
7. Copy of Required Field Trip Permission Form
8. Registration Form for Students

Please provide two names of people who can be contacted by the DRE for references (from different households please, and at least one with no affiliation with Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church).

I have received, read, and agree to abide by the information contained in the documents listed above.

Printed Name________________________________________________________________________
Signature __________________________________________________________________
Date ____________________