Safeguarding
A safe place to grow in faith.
Fraternitas is committed to creating and sustaining a safe environment for young people, rooted in the Gospel, the teaching of the Church, and the Franciscan way.
Our Foundations
Gospel Imperatives
Rooted in truth, justice, compassion, and reconciliation. To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
Catholic Social Teaching
Beneficence and nonmaleficence. To do good to all, especially the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).
Franciscan Commitment
Reverence and care for all creation, honouring the dignity of every person as a brother or sister.
Guiding Principles for Fraternity
How we hold one another: In trust, in care, and in accountability.
- 1
Treat all with love, recognising their inherent dignity and value, regardless of gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity.
- 2
Build trusting relationships based on Franciscan values of honesty, openness, and confidentiality.
- a
Keep all that is shared in the group within the group.
- b
Maintain a prayerful and respectful atmosphere during sessions.
- a
- 3
Balance care and concern with respect for another's privacy and personal space.
- a
Protect the privacy and well-being of one another.
- b
If members have not come for a while, reach out with a spirit of concern; do not pressure others into coming.
- c
Be mindful of behaviour which may come across as harassing or intimidating, across communication channels, social media, and in-person settings.
- d
Mixed-gender sharings should be discreet when discussing topics of an intimate nature, so as to respect boundaries.
- i
Further accompaniment can be recommended with a facilitator of the same gender to facilitate growth.
- i
- a
- 4
Be accountable for our actions to one another, to our groups, and to the fraternity.
- a
Own your actions.
- b
Be receptive to feedback.
- a
- 5
Be sensitive to potential conflicts of interest.
- a
No commercial canvassing for any services or products.
- a
- 6
Consider approaching the appropriate person, based on the protocol below, if:
- a
You feel uncomfortable due to someone else's actions.
- b
You need clarification on these guidelines.
- a
- 7
If you hear of any incidents, speak to the appropriate people first and refrain from sharing with others.
The Protocol
Raising a concern
We follow the principle of subsidiarity, matters are addressed as close to the source as possible, and escalated with care when needed.
- Level 1
Member to member
Speak directly and charitably with one another, accountability begins among brothers and sisters.
- Level 2
Speak with a facilitator
If the matter is unresolved or sensitive, raise it with a session facilitator.
- Level 3
Approach the Core team
Reach a member of the Core team, including via Telegram, for matters needing wider care.
- Level 4
Escalate to the friars
Serious concerns are escalated to Fra. John-Paul or Fra. Derrick.
Reach Out
If something does not feel right, please tell someone. You will be heard with care and confidentiality.