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Ecumenical Council of Finland

Principles for a Safer Space

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Rules of Conduct in the Activities of the Ecumenical Council of Finland

Adapted by the ECF governing board on December 9th, 2024

1. Objective

The aim of a safer space is to foster mental and spiritual sense of safety of the participants and organizers through respectful behavior and practices. It is about fostering an environment where everyone is seen and valued as their authentic selves. In a safer space, everyone should feel welcomed, accepted, and appreciated. This creates opportunities for safe interactions, discussions, and togetherness, even when the opinions and perspectives of the participants differ.

By calling these guidelines the Principles for a Safer Space, we express both a personal and communal aspiration toward greater safety. We acknowledge that perfect safety can never be fully guaranteed, but we strive for it.

Everyone has blind spots, and at times, we may inadvertently threaten another person’s sense of safety. A safer space involves recognizing this trait within us and being willing to accept feedback. Simultaneously, in alignment with the Christian view of humanity and grace, we commit ourselves—with the aid of grace—to actively strive for better. A safer space emerges from humility, openness, feedback, forgiveness, and genuine encounters.

2. Principles for a Safer Space

Participation in the activities organized by the Ecumenical Council of Finland (ECF) signifies a commitment to these principles:

I treat everyone with respect and appreciation. I see the image of God in every person. Everyone has an equal right to participate and be heard. I respect each person’s physical and emotional boundaries. I do not touch without permission, nor do I intrude on others’ private matters. I recognize and reflect on my assumptions about the other person’s religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or socioeconomic background, values, stances, or opinions. I can show respect even when I do not agree or fully understand. This ensures that no one feels threatened or offended.

I critically examine my own attitudes and behavior. I understand that even when I feel safe, someone else might not feel the same. Everyone has the right to define and communicate their boundaries. I learn to identify actions or words that may be physically, mentally, spiritually, or sexually inappropriate or violent and intervene when necessary. If I receive feedback on my behavior, I reflect on it and am quick to apologize.

I interpret matters in the most charitable way from the other person’s  perspective when possible. I listen to others and strive to learn from their viewpoints. I create space for diversity and actively support everyone’s inclusion. I request permission to speak and share my own thoughts rather than criticize the other person’s speech, views, or ideas. I use inclusive language to ensure everyone can understand me. I aim to foster trust and positive interaction in my community. If I need clarity, I ask for more information. I respect various identities and beliefs, even when I cannot personally adopt them.

Creating a safer space is a collective effort. Each of us is responsible for fostering it. Everyone must recognize that we share equal rights and responsibilities. Addressing inappropriate behavior requires courage and accountability. If I wish to offer feedback, I do so openly, kindly, and considerately by sharing my observations, thoughts, and feelings. A safer space encourages participation, experimentation, and even occasional mistakes. It also facilitates receiving feedback, offering apologies, and granting forgiveness. I understand that others cannot know my preferences or feelings unless I communicate them.

3. Instructions for Addressing Harassment

  • Every participant’s attitude and behavior contribute to safety, engagement, and overall atmosphere. It is crucial for everyone to actively foster a positive community spirit.
  • Always address inappropriate behavior. Do not overlook or avoid it.
  • Do not leave those who feel unsafe or discriminated against alone.
  • Investigate the situation with those involved and, if necessary, with the designated harassment contact person. Often, issues can be resolved through discussion. It is essential that all parties feel heard.
  • If needed, revisit the situation later and contact the harassment contact persons.


Contact details for ECF harassment contact persons:

Sarah Tiainen, campaign coordinator, Ecumenical Council of Finland
+358-40-6603915, sarah.tiainen@ekumenia.fi

Ilona Rauhala, member of the Youth Section, Ecumenical Council of Finland
ilonaiidamaria@gmail.com

PART B: Implementing Principles of a Safer Space in a Community

1.    Foundations

The principles of safer spaces are based on previously established guidelines that respect the dignity of every person. These principles help us meet and value each other in our differences. They offer the opportunity for safe participation, even for those whose identities or lives are affected by disagreements. A safer space provides a foundation for building connection. It is a tool for successful events for everyone, but it is also part of the journey of Christians as individuals and communities, committing to creating safer communities.

At the heart of the principle of safer spaces is the idea of every person being created by God and in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), and the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), which instructs us to treat others as we would like to be treated. We are different and have various views, but we are called to respect each other and live peacefully together. All Christians belong together as members of one Body (Ephesians 4:1-6; Galatians 3:26-28; Romans 12:10). Even when differences are significant, these principles oblige us to live in peace with each other (Romans 12:18). By focusing on the safety of our behavior, we honor Christ and our community (Ephesians 4:1-2; Colossians 3:17).

In 2016, the World Council of Churches published the document The Gift of Being. This document emphasizes the dignity of every human being and the responsibility of Christian communities to fulfill the commandment of love. Based on this document, a Bible study material called Enabling Church (Mahdollistava kirkko) has been compiled in Finnish. In 2012, the Ecumenical Council of Finland adopted The Good Practices of Ecumenism. This document outlines the ways of respectful, trustworthy, equitable, and open engagement among Christians.

The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, along with the principles of equality and equity, emphasizes the same issue. The declaration highlights the value and right of every individual to a life of dignity without discrimination or oppression. The principles of equality and equity stress the equal treatment of all people and the provision of opportunities, regardless of their background, religion, or other characteristics.

Finland, along with other members of the Council of Europe, is committed to the UN Declaration of Human Rights through the European Convention on Human Rights. Additionally, Finnish legislation requires the realization of equality and equity, including the Non-Discrimination Act (1325/2014), which prohibits discrimination. Freedom of religion and the right to express one’s beliefs are also central in the Finnish legislation (Freedom of Religion Act 2003/453). According to these laws, everyone should have the right to participate without the fear of discrimination or violence. Specific guidelines exist for dealing with sexual harassment and abuse, such as the action plan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’s Diocese of Helsinki.

2.    Internal Community Discussion on the Principles of Safer Space and Commitment to Their Implementation

The principles of safer space do not automatically translate into practice; they must be actively promoted. This requires the participation of everyone—employees, volunteers, and participants. The example and commitment of leaders and supervisors are crucial.

This document compiles the perspectives that are important for the community to discuss together. The principles of safer spaces provide a good opportunity to talk about the community values and value-based actions. They also offer a chance to discuss more challenging themes and bring up topics that are often avoided, significantly strengthening internal trust within the community.

Commitment from Leaders and Supervisors to Promote Safer Spaces

Leaders have a special responsibility to ensure the community commits to implementing safer spaces. This requires joint discussion, a change in the operational culture, and the establishment of practices for situations where principles are violated. Leaders and supervisors must set an example and dedicate themselves to promoting the principles of safer space.

Community Discussions and Finalizing Principles

To commit to following the principles, it is essential to discuss them and ensure everyone understands them and the related practices in the same way. The topics to be discussed in the community include:

a) Diversified safety discussions from physical safety to promoting mental and spiritual safety.
b) The statement regarding the principles of a safer space. Finalizing the template and discussing what the principles mean in practice within the community.
c) Attitudes toward diversity in the community. Enhancing the ability to coexist with diverse individuals. Who are “we” and who are “others”? Can we include those who think differently? Those who believe differently? Those in different life situations? Is the church inherently a community for diverse people?
d) The concept of positive discrimination. Focusing on how to work with minorities and those marginalized for various reasons.
e) Practices for harassment contact persons. How to ensure a person is heard when principles are not upheld (see section 3).
f) Communication planning. How to communicate about the principles (see section 4).

Addressing Themes to Strengthen Trust

g) The actions of those in power. How to act when a leader or an unofficial authority figure violates the principles of a safer place, intentionally or unintentionally. It is important for the community to agree on the procedures for such situations.
h) Taking people’s experiences seriously. Understanding that someone in the community may find it difficult to be there. Acknowledging that we ourselves may not always be safe in some situations.
i) Promoting individual action for safer spaces. Encouraging everyone to express their wishes and needs proactively.
j) Understanding spiritual abuse. Despite different spiritual views, we must behave respectfully.
k) Valuing others’ experiences. Striving for better behavior in the name of love for our neighbor, even if we believe we haven’t done anything wrong, but someone feels overlooked or discriminated against.

Safer Space as a Continuous Process

Regular evaluations on how well this has been achieved, both personal and at the unit and community levels. Attention must be actively paid to personal biases and attitudes. Common methods can be utilized, such as tools from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (Ulkopuolisuuden ehkäisyn silmälasit) or guides from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (Osallisuuden edistäjän opas).

ECF Board and Each Section

  • Discuss the principles of safer spaces during meetings and address the perspectives mentioned above.
  • Agree on how to promote these principles in their activities.

3.    Agreeing on Harassment Contact Person Practices

In the process of creating a safer space, addressing the actions that violate the principles is essential. Every participant contributes to building a safer space and bears responsibility. Those in leadership positions have a particular responsibility for safety and can be informed about breaches. Additionally, a separate harassment contact person is needed. The harassment contact person’s role is to lower the threshold for reporting issues. They act as a neutral party to help handle potential conflicts. Individuals can confide in the harassment contact person, who listens and, if necessary, guides the issue forward. The harassment contact person does not remove the responsibility of the event organizer or, for example, the employer.

Selecting Harassment Contact Persons

Choose at least two harassment contact persons to ensure the swift handling of issues and the safety of the contact persons themselves. It is important that the contact person has relevant expertise and receives training for their role. A person in a leadership or authoritative position cannot serve as a harassment contact person. It must be ensured that contact persons can also address the behavior that compromises the safety of those in leadership roles.

The contact person is introduced when discussing the principles of a safer place at the beginning of an event. The harassment contact person may not always be present at the event. In such cases, the event organizer should also express that they can be contacted. Simply informing about the principles of a safer place likely increases safety and promotes appropriate behavior, thereby preventing potential conflicts. People can report uncomfortable situations to the harassment contact person during or after the event via email or phone. It is also important to offer the person accused an opportunity to be heard and provide a written response, if possible. The contact details of the harassment contact persons are visible in the announcements about the principles of a safer place.

Guidelines for the Harassment Contact Person

  • Respond quickly to the contact and handle the matter appropriately without delay.
  • Work with other contact persons when necessary.
  • Ask the reporting individual how they would like the issue to be handled. Apologize for what has occurred. Choose an appropriate course of action. Document the incident and how it was handled for potential further investigation. Take the matter forward if necessary.
  • Consider how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
  • Strive to prevent and address the behavior that threatens the sense of mental or spiritual safety early enough to resolve the issue through discussion. Be prepared to limit the individual’s actions, speaking opportunities, and, if necessary, ask them to leave the event or discussion.
  • Ensure that making a harassment report does not further jeopardize the reporter’s safety.
  • Act respectfully and constructively toward the person who posed a threat to others’ safety. They also have the right to feel safe, even if their behavior is unacceptable. Offer them an opportunity to be heard, if necessary, afterward and in writing, once any emotional reactions have subsided.
  • Study the topic. There are specific guidelines for situations involving sexual harassment. Familiarize yourself with guidelines such of the Helsinki Diocese’s guidelines on preventing and handling sexual harassment.

ECF Board

  • Appoints two or three harassment contact persons for events organized by ECF or its divisions. The harassment contact persons are appointed for two years at a time, with potential personnel changes occurring alternately.
  • The harassment contact persons have diverse backgrounds.
  • The harassment contact persons must have appropriate training for their role.

4.    Internal and External Communication

In the process of creating a safer space, paying special attention to communication is crucial. Leaders have a duty to establish conditions that ensure the principles of a safer space are communicated both internally and externally as effectively as possible. Communication plays a preventive role. It is important to ensure that the faces of the Church Council are diverse, meaning that in photos and visible activities, there are people of different ages and appearances, both as participants and actors.

The principles of a safer space should be proactively displayed on websites and in physical premises: for event registrants, on bulletin boards, and in intranet systems. It is particularly important to ensure that the communication reaches those in especially vulnerable positions. The principles of a safer space and guidelines for handling harassment situations should also be available in places where distressed or vulnerable individuals may seek refuge. A good example is restrooms, as this might be the only quiet and safe place for someone to be alone.

ECF Board and Sections

  • Ensure the communication of the principles of a safer space both internally and externally.
  • Add a permanent section on the website where these principles and guidelines can be found. This webpage should be highlighted at internal ECF events and activities organized by ECF or its sections.
  • Refer to the principles of a safer space in their events in an appropriate manner, both before the event and at its beginning.
  • Print the principles visibly in the premises where ECF holds events.

5.    Checklist for Organizing a Safer Event

When organizing an event or gathering, use this checklist to ensure the implementation of the principles of a safer space:

  • Include safer space information in the event’s pre-promotion.
  • Add safer space principles to invitations and ensure the event aligns with these principles.
  • Remind attendees of the safer space principles and respectful discussion guidelines when confirming registration.
  • Provide guidelines for discussion etiquette at the event.
  • Address behavior that violates safer space principles by saying something like: “I remind you that in our event, we encourage respectful and relevant discussion and commenting. Your comment/action seems to violate the safer space principles. Please review the guidelines and act accordingly.” If the behavior continues, ask the individual(s) to leave the space/discussion.

In-person Event:

  • Display the safer space principles on the screen 15 minutes before the program begins.
  • Instruct speakers to remind participants of the safer space principles.
  • Inform participants in advance whether the event is accessible.
  • Guide participants on what to do if the principles are violated: provide the contact information of harassment contact persons and preferably the on-site responsible person’s contact details.

Online/Hybrid Event:

  • Display the safer space principles in the opening slide 15 minutes before the program begins.
  • Repeat the instructions during the opening remarks.
  • Guide participants to report to the organizers if the principles are violated.
  • Communicate the safer space principles to participants and, if necessary, remind them privately during the event.

6.    Sources

Christian Churches Worldwide

Christian Churches in Finland

Other Finnish Organizations

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