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	Congregations Need to Protect Members from Sexual Abuse Wichita Eagle [United States] June 17, 2006 http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/living/14837774.htm Ongoing stories of clergy sexual abuse, across denomination lines, have helped awaken congregations to the myriad risks they face. "The main thing is anticipating every possible problem, and have some way to deal with it," said Robert Cirtin, a former pastor and director of the criminal justice program at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. "If it never happens, thank God, but when it does happen, you'll say, 'This is what we were trained for, and here's what we do.' " Some security consultants now specialize in church safety, and more books are being written on the subject. For instance, the 480-page "Risk Management Handbook for Churches and Schools" covers an exhaustive list of topics. Some of the chapters: "Safeguarding Facilities for Infants and Toddlers," "Emergency Plans to Assist the Injured," "Transportation Safety," "Reducing the Risk of Sexual Misconduct" and "Reducing the Risk of Embezzlement." Another book, "Making Your Church Safe from Child Sexual Abuse," says thatchurches must be diligent in implementing safeguards. "The problem of child sexual abuse continues to be the No. 1 catastrophic risk facing churches today," it says. "A single case can shatter the life of an individual and family, and destroy the ministry of a church." Congregations have a moral and legal obligation to protect their members, says "Church Safety and Security: A Practical Guide." "Churches and denominations are liable for what occurs in the church and are targets of lawsuits now more than ever," according to the book, written by Cirtin. "Too often, church leaders and congregations have been reactive instead of proactive; due to changes in our society, this is no longer sufficient." At Westlink Christian Church, 2001 N. Maize Road, background checks are conducted on all employees and more extensive checks on staff members and volunteers who work with children. The church also has policies to help protect children and adults. For example, an adult is not supposed to be alone with a child at any time in the church, said Jim Shimer, director of operations at the church. Such are the measures that more churches realize they have to confront these days, he said. He attends church business administration conferences, where such issues frequently are addressed. "It's not just isolated to a few churches," he said. "It's something that's pretty much on the radar screen for a good number of churches. It's a real concern." Contributing: Dallas Morning News, Joe Rodriguez of The Eagle
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