The Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect children who may come into contact with clergy of The Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church in the context of ministry, and to ensure that clergy can work within a supportive framework that sets out clear guidelines for their actions.

II. Criminal Record checks

1. Every member of clergy of The Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church shall be required at the time of application for ordination or incardination to produce a recent check obtained from the Criminal Records Bureau and/or the Police National Computer. Regular and ongoing checks will be required thereafter.

2. No person who has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register shall be admitted to any form of ministry involving children.

III. Ministry

1. In ministering to children and young people below the age of eighteen, all members of clergy of The Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church shall ensure that they are accompanied by a second responsible adult at all times. If the second responsible adult is not present, ministry may not take place.

2. In the event that a member of clergy of The Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church participates in the running of any youth organisation such as a club or Bible study group, they shall ensure that a register of attendance is kept of each meeting. If the group consists of members of both sexes, the second responsible adult present shall be of the opposite sex to the clergyperson.

IV. Avoidance of false allegations

Clergy shall conduct themselves in such a way as not to facilitate the making of false allegations by young people. In particular, in the event that they are placed in a situation where they feel that their integrity is at risk, they shall have the full support of the College of Bishops in immediately removing themselves from that situation or activity. Clergy must not give lifts to children and young people under the age of 18 without a second responsible adult being present.

V. Child protection policies of other organisations

Clergy will observe the child protection policies of other organisations when involved in activities within those organisations.

VI. Designated child protection officer

The designated child protection officer for The Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church is the Titular Bishop of Naim, to whom all enquiries concerning this policy should be addressed.