The Place of Safety is not a place for public release of anger, blame, or judgement – although those emotions are valid and valuable, and our guidelines have ideas that will help you to know how to process them in a way that is safe for yourself and for the other members of the group. This group is not designed to assist you in deciding if you want to leave any church you may have connection to. It is not a place for theological debate (but we will gladly help you to find safe and positive space elsewhere for you to do this very valuable critical thinking exercise!) Within this group, we will not engage in deep therapy. When issues come up that would benefit from the support or intervention of a trained therapist, we will support you in finding resources, though it is up to you to pursue them.

We begin from a position that acknowledges the very deep flaws that WCG, its leaders, its structures, its members, and its various related institutions had. These flaws opened the doors to the creation of much pain and trauma (sometimes intergenerational), some of which many people are still uncovering. The church was also a place where positive connection, love, and good things happened. In this space, we expect to encounter some stories that are similar to our own, and some that are widely different – even if the circumstances may be very much the same. Within this diverse space, we honour the variety in our experiences and perceptions, learning from each other with the intent of witnessing and working towards healing and strengthening that which is good.

The Place of Safety welcomes and supports all walks of life and backgrounds. LGBTQ2SIA+, all races, all cultures, all economic and educational backgrounds. We acknowledge the presence of white supremacy in the past teachings and practices of the church, and a legacy of colonialism and patriarchy that was furthered by the structure and leaders of the church.

There is much to uncover, much to explore. Many stories that are begging to be told.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we will sift what was and is helpful from what was and is harmful, and continue to release ourselves and each other from whatever lingering impacts our time in the WCG created in our life.