Updated May 27, 2025

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The Safeguarding Process at Redeemer Presbyterian Church Downtown (RDT) seeks to foster an environment that is free of abuse or neglect among children as well as harassment or abuse of power among adults, and which is marked by members who lead by example in these areas. The Safeguarding Team is responsible for safeguarding prevention and response processes.

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Biblical Introduction

For the Christian, safeguarding our fellow congregants is a matter of faithfulness to Jesus Christ and loving others as an outworking of the Gospel. In light of the God-given dignity of all people, the reality of sin and abuse, God’s commands to care, obey the law, and be a witness for God’s glory, all Christians have a moral and ethical obligation to refrain from, prevent, and report abuse or neglect among children as well as harassment or abuse of power among adults by whatever means they are able. The following principles outline some of the ways that the Bible underpins our understanding of safeguarding:

1. The Dignity of All People: Genesis 1
2. Abuse is Real: Genesis 3
3. Care Matters: Luke 10:25-37
4. Obey the Law: Romans 13:1-5
5. Be a Witness: 1 Peter 2:12

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Therefore, Redeemer Downtown, as a mirror of God’s concern for justice, is committed to responding to any concerning or harmful situations with care for those who experience mistreatment and with fairness to all involved.

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Scope

Everyone (children, youth, and adults, whether congregants, members, or officers) at Redeemer Downtown is entitled to a safe place to worship and serve, and in turn has a duty to ensure Redeemer Downtown is that safe place. The Safeguarding Team processes reports of potential abuse or neglect among children as well as reports of potential harassment or abuse of power among adults that:

• take place within the Redeemer Downtown ministry environment,
• involve a Redeemer Downtown member or employee, and/or
• involve a child or youth congregant*

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Congregants do not need to establish if a boundary has been crossed or an incident of harassment, abuse, neglect, or abuse of power has taken place to escalate; this is for the Safeguarding Team and other appropriate parties to determine. If in doubt, report.

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*In New York State, a minor is a person who is under 18 years old, or whose mental capacity is that of a minor. Enrolled high school students who have turned 18 are still considered minors for the purposes of this scope.

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Safeguarding Children

For further reading: Child Protection Overview

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Who Should Report:

• Everyone is expected to report any potential instances of child abuse and neglect as soon as possible.
• Church members are expected to report potential instances of child abuse and neglect as soon as possible as an obligation of their membership vow to ‘submit yourself to the government and discipline of the church and promise to study its purity and peace.’
• Church staff, officers, and Family Ministries volunteers are required to report instances of child abuse and neglect as soon as possible.

Reporting Channels:

1. Report to Law Enforcement or child advocacy.
2. Use the Child Protection Reporting Form. RDT has a Safeguarding Team with Child Safety representatives who are responsible for responding to any concerns or reports involving a minor.
3. Report to a Pastor or staff member, as these individuals are required to report the incident to the Safeguarding Team.
4. Email childsafety@redeemerdt.com.

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Safeguarding Adults

For further reading: Adult Safeguarding Overview

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Who Should Report:

• Everyone is strongly encouraged to report potential instances of harassment or abuse of power.
• Church members are expected to report potential instances of harassment or abuse of power as an obligation of their membership vow to ‘submit yourself to the government and discipline of the church and promise to study its purity and peace.’
• Church officers and employee supervisors are required to report potential instances of harassment, discrimination, or abuse of power that involve employees of the Redeemer network of churches and ministries.

Reporting Channels:

• Use the Adult Safeguarding Reporting Form. RDT has a Safeguarding Team, which is responsible for responding to any concerns or reports.
• Report to a Pastor or staff supervisor, as these individuals are required to report the incident to the Safeguarding team.
• Email safeguarding@redeemerdt.com.

Response Process

Upon receipt of a report, the Safeguarding Team will take steps to find out what is happening and to determine which next steps are appropriate to ensure everyone’s safety and care.

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The Safeguarding Team consists of Megan Dishman (Executive Director), Ashley Spilker (Director of Women's and Family Ministries), and Reggie Kyle (Ruling Elder). The Child Safety representatives to the Safeguarding Team include Ashley Spilker (Director of Women's and Family Ministries) and Karen Girard (Director of Children’s Ministry). As needed, RDT will also seek support from consultants, trained investigators, or others experienced in responding to concerns of child abuse and neglect among children or harassment and abuse of power among adults in the church environment. Any concerns about the Safeguarding Team or Child Safety representatives should be directed to the Session.

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Reports will be handled with appropriate privacy, and retaliation will not be tolerated.

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