 The
commitment to being a Safe Haven for Children is most effective if it begins as an
intentional decision made by your congregation. As you take steps toward creating a Safe
Haven in your congregation, you might incorporate some of the following language into a
resolution to be voted on at your next congregational meeting. You will want to revise or
add language to tailor the statement to your congregation and community.
WHEREAS the social upheavals of our time and the growing gap between rich
and poor have been especially damaging to the lives of children and families; and
WHEREAS, as we prepare for the new millennium, we must assure the youngest
and most vulnerable members of our world that they have a future; and
WHEREAS we long for children to be free from fear and to live in faith;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this congregation
________________________ commits itself to be a Safe Haven for all children and their
families and caregivers, by:
I.
Building Christ-centered, positive, trusting relationships
that nurture the healthy growth of children and strengthen families.
II.
Using our resources to provide a sanctuary for children.
III.
Creating a Gospel-centered, faith-based teaching and learning environment of hospitality
that welcomes all children with their families and caregivers.
IV. Developing
programs and places that help children to flourish.
V. Collaborating
with other faith communities, agencies, and service organizations that work for the
well-being of children in our community.
VI.
Working with the government for more public measures that support the well-being of
children.
VII.
Supporting the efforts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to meet the basic
needs of children through Lutheran social ministry organizations, as they provide caring
services for children, and through the ELCA World Hunger Program, which carries our
concerns for children throughout the world.
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