Safe Church Training
Information for Congregational and Organizational Safe Church Administrators
The Episcopal Church strives to be a safe place for all to gather and be formed by Word and Sacrament. Since the 1980s, the Episcopal Church has provided policy and training in best practices for protecting the vulnerable in our midst. Embracing a culture of safety and accountability to one another is essential in helping us create healthy and vital communities of faith.
Our Safe Church policies originate from the Model Policies adopted by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church with training developed by the Safe Church Task Force in collaboration with the Faith Formation Office of the Episcopal Church, the Legal Affairs Office of the Episcopal Church, and the Church Pension Group. The Faith Formation Office maintains oversight for Safe Church at the Episcopal Church. Praesidium Academy is the only approved provider of Safe Church training.
In Oklahoma, the Diocesan Council adopted newly revised Safe Church policies for the protection of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in March 2025, in compliance with General Convention policies.
On this page, you will find resources and information for your leadership regarding Safe Church.
The Diocesan Office is the primary resource for congregational and diocesan institution leadership for questions regarding Safe Church policies, implementation, training, background checks, and key holder agreements.
Questions regarding individual training or access to Praesidium should be directed to your local Safe Church administrator.
Have questions about Safe Church? Contact a member of the staff below.
Teresa Phares, Coordinator of Children and Youth Ministries, for questions regarding:
Background Checks, Training (including Praesidium Academy), Safe Church Administrators
Email: tphares@epiok.org
Kate Bond, Director of Faith Formation and Discipleship, for questions regarding:
Safe Church Policies, Adoption and Implementation Procedures, Audits
Email: kbond@epiok.org
Judith Rodriguez, Executive Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary, for questions regarding:
Safe Church assistance and Background Checks for all clergy and/or persons in the ordination process.
Email: jdelgado@epiok.org
Safe Church Reporting:
The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma has procedures in place for investigating and addressing allegations of misconduct on the part of any member of the Diocese.
For reporting known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of minors or vulnerable adults, contact OKDHS using the 24-hour hotline: (800) 522-3511. If you suspect abuse of a vulnerable adult you can also file an online report at OKHotline.org.
If the minor or vulnerable adult is in imminent danger or if you witness the abuse you should call 9-1-1.
Lay Reporting:
To make a report to the Diocese concerning possible misconduct, policy violations, or abuse/neglect involving a layperson in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, follow all internal reporting procedures as noted in the Safe Church policies and the Duty to Report video. Send the Confidential Notice of Concern to safechurch@epiok.org.
Clergy Reporting:
To make a report concerning possible misconduct, policy violations, or abuse/neglect involving a member of the clergy please contact one of the Title IV In-Take Officers:
Kelly Masters-Newton kmastersnewton@icloud.com (405) 537-3903
OR
The Rev. Robby Trammell robwtrammell@gmail.com (405) 740-4104
Policy Adoption and Implementation:
Annual Congregational Audit Form (Due annually on March 1st)
We are the Episcopal Church in Oklahoma.