Policies & Procedures
Scent-Free Guide
As a community of faith, it is important that all people who come here feel respected and safe – spiritually and physically. For the general population, exposure to scents is not typically a problem. However for some individuals with chemical sensitivity, asthma or allergies, exposure to perfumes and other scented products could be a health hazard, or life threatening. Reactions may vary from breathing problems to migraine headaches, anxiety, inability to concentrate, nausea, fatigue, and/or skin irritation.
Fragrance Policy
Shaughnessy Heights United Church is committed to eliminating health concerns arising from exposure to scent and scented products by maintaining a scent-safe environment for everyone on SHUC premises. All congregants, employees, renters and visitors will refrain from using or wearing scented products at SHUC facilities.
Purpose of this policy:
- Increase awareness within our congregation of the potential impact that fragrance may have on the health and wellbeing of others;
- Encourage cooperation in minimizing the use of scented products;
- Ensure provision of education and educational materials on scent health impacts and suitable alternative products
- Ensure an enduring commitment at SHUC on this matter
- Empower individuals in addressing scent-related issues
- Provide first aid where required
- Assist anyone affected by a fragrance sensitivity to communicate with mutual respect and courtesy.
As a congregation we are committed to using cleaning products that are low scent and environmentally friendly, except for bleach-based cleaning solutions as required by the Ministry of Health. This also applies to products used by the Shaughnessy Day Care, other tenants, renters and contractors. This policy is in support of SHUC’s commitment to inclusivity.
View the full Fragrance Policy
A Safe Workplace
SHUC Workplace Harassment Response Policy (May 2022)
The United Church of Canada (UCC) adopted a UCC Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Violence Prevention and Response Policy (“the UCC Policy”) updated in September 2020.
Shaughnessy Heights United Church (SHUC) is committed to providing a safe environment for work, worship and study that is free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.
SHUC is compelled to endorse and follow the roles, responsibilities, reporting, investigation and corrective actions of the UCC Policy.
The UCC Policy includes but is not limited to all members, adherents, contractors, lay employees, ministry personnel, elected members and volunteers of the community.
On May 24, 2022 The Vision Council of Shaughnessy Heights United Church approved implementation of the UCC Policy.
Wedding Policy
Marriage is a gift from God to the world, as a reminder of our unity, wholeness, and love through God. The covenant of marriage is an opportunity for us to form a covenanted relationship with each other and God.
The ministry of Jesus Christ urges us to pursue justice, love, and change for the better in our world. Marriage is a celebration of the commitment of a couple to seek growth together through love and change. This sacred covenant of marriage is a blessing to the couple and the community around them, through which God’s word becomes flesh and God’s will becomes action.
View the full Wedding Policy.
