Church Announces Training To Prevent Child Abuse
Aug 16, 2019, 9:48 AM | Updated: 10:51 am
Screenshot of online training course for all adults who interact with children and youth in their Church assignments.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday announced that all adults who interact with children and youth as part of their Church assignments will undergo training.
“The scriptures contain many examples of the Savior’s love for His children,” according to a Church statement. “His Church does not tolerate abuse of any kind. As part of an ongoing effort to protect children and youth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched an online training course for all adults who interact with children and youth in their Church assignments.”
The training can be found at protectingchildren.churchofjesuschrist.org and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, according to the website.
“We take Jesus Christ’s teachings about children and youth very seriously,” said Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary general president. “He welcomed them into His presence and gave stern warnings against abusing, bullying or hurting them in any way. Jesus said of children, ‘Of such is the kingdom of God’ [Mark 10:14]. His deep concern for children and youth must continue to be our deep concern.”
Those who are requested to complete the training include:
- Stake and district presidencies, bishoprics and branch presidencies
- High councilors
- Stake, district, ward, and branch Primary, Young Women, Young Men and Sunday School and Relief Society presidencies; elders quorum presidencies
- Secretaries, teachers, advisers, camp leaders, activity day leaders, music leaders, pianists and others serving in positions in the Primary, Young Women and Young Men organizations
- Teachers of youth Sunday School and seminary classes
Those in youth leadership positions will be required to take the training every three years.
The Church has made the training available to anyone who wants to take it.
