In 2021, the Virginia Synod is providing both Racial Justice Boundaries Education (required module for 2021) and Basic Boundaries Education opportunities through a partnership with ELCA Region 9. Yearly Boundaries Education is required of all rostered ministers by the Synod’s Boundaries Education Policy and Sexual Misconduct Policy.

The Virginia Synod’s Boundaries Education Policy and Sexual Misconduct Policy include a mandatory requirement, effective January 2020, that all rostered ministers participate in an updated and expanded three-year rotation for boundaries education (i.e. participation in boundaries education each year). Failure to attend such education will adversely impact the roster minister’s eligibility for future calls, interim appointments, pulpit supply, and/or other positions of pastoral/church leadership in a local congregation, related agency, institution, or the synod.

If you are retired and do not intend to actively serve in a public way (e.g., as a supply pastor, visitation pastor, Bible Study leader, assisting minister) in the life of the church, you must complete and sign this acknowledgment form if you have not already submitted the form.  The office only needs one form on file. If you feel called in the future to resume public service in the church, please contact the Synod Office.

The church should be a safe place where people can worship, learn, work, love, and receive care. As children of God and followers of Jesus, each of us is a part of the body of Christ and individually members of it. For the sake of God’s mission and ministry in and through the Virginia Synod, this Synod is committed to the formation of healthy leaders and to the nurturing of vital congregations.

Relationships are important for ministry. Healthy relationships depend upon clear and respectful boundaries. Rostered ministers, especially, need thoughtful and consistent training around boundaries because of the variety of their relationships. Boundaries are the understandings that help to provide safe spaces for ministry. Of particular importance are boundaries related to professional ethics, finances, use of social media, the prevention of sexual misconduct, boundaries concerning gender and harassment, and boundaries concerning racial justice.

Rooted in the gospel command to love God and to love our neighbor, this synod covenants to provide education and boundaries education for all rostered ministers.