Safe Church Workshops¹

The Safe Church program of The Episcopal Church consists of two workshops: Safeguarding God’s Children and Safeguarding God’s People. These workshops are designed to educate church leaders on the prevention of sexual abuse of children and youth and the prevention of sexual exploitation and harassment of adults. The materials for these programs are produced by The Church Pension Group.

This requirement applies to the following programs: M.Div., S.T.M. (academic year), S.T.M./A.S., M.A., C.T.S., and D.A.S.

Cultural Diversity Workshop¹

This workshop provides intercultural competency and antiracism training that equips church leaders to effectively deal with issues of diversity. Participants learn tools of respectful communication and helpful processes for the creation of inviting and compassionate environments that welcome all people.

This requirement applies to the following programs: M.Div., S.T.M. (academic year), S.T.M./A.S., M.A., C.T.S., and D.A.S.

Constitutions and Canons Workshop¹

The Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church include standards of conduct for members of the church in positions of leadership. In the event of conflict or misconduct by a member of the clergy, a resolution is sought in accordance with the rules as outlined in the Title IV section of the canons. This workshop informs seminarians who are seeking ordination on the process of ecclesiastical discipline.

This requirement applies to the following programs: M.Div., S.T.M./A.S., and D.A.S.

Education for Ministry (EFM) Immersion Workshop

This one-day workshop gives attendees a brief overview of the structure, content, and effectiveness of the EfM program of theological education for the church’s laity. Details about the program may be found online: theology.sewanee.edu/academics/education-for-ministry/

This requirement applies to the following programs: M.Div., S.T.M./A.S., M.A., and D.A.S.

Chapel Participation, as Scheduled

The School of Theology offers the Daily Office and Eucharist, each weekday. The faculty considers attendance and participation at scheduled services to be a matter of formation and discipline. Students must attend worship services, as often as possible.

This requirement applies to the following degree programs: M.Div., S.T.M./A.S., and D.A.S.

Requests for a Workshop Waiver

Students may satisfy the requirement for one or more workshops if comparable training has been previously completed. Students requesting a waiver must meet the following conditions:

1. The student has completed training that was the same (or equivalent) in content, and the training was completed within the three-year period immediately prior to the start of seminary.
2. The student has completed at least one year of EfM as a mentor or student or has attended EfM mentor training.

All requests for a workshop waiver must be submitted in writing to the associate dean for community life along with appropriate documentation.

1	These workshops satisfy the canonical trainings required of Episcopal ordinands.