Non-Discrimination Policy
- Purpose
The Restoration Hope Center is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all who come to worship, serve, volunteer, receive ministry, attend events or use our facilities. This policy sets out our commitment to ensuring that no person is discriminated against in any of our programs, services or activities on improper or unlawful grounds.
- Scope
This policy applies to all members of the Restoration Hope Center community, including, but not limited to:
- Attendees and worshippers
- Volunteers
- Staff and ministry workers
- Participants in programs, classes, events or outreaches
- Users of our facilities
- Visitors and guests
- Prohibited Grounds
The Restoration Hope Center prohibits discrimination on the basis of the following characteristics (each individually or in combination):
Race, colour or ethnicity
Nationality or national origin
Age
Sex or gender (including gender identity)
Marital or family status
Sexual orientation
Disability (physical, intellectual, mental or sensory)
Pregnancy or maternity/paternity status
Religion or belief (including the absence of belief)
Socio-economic status or background
Any other characteristic protected by applicable local, national or international law
- Practices Covered
Discrimination is prohibited in all aspects of our ministry, programs and operations, including but not limited to:
Admission to and participation in worship services, classes, outreach, and programs
Use of church facilities and services
Appointment or assignment of volunteers and staff
Leadership roles, team membership, and ministry involvement
Provision of pastoral care, counselling, support and referrals
Communications, publications and digital media
- Faith-Based Distinctions
As a Christian faith-based community, the Restoration Hope Center reserves the right to conduct its worship services, choose its ministry leadership and define its faith and lifestyle expectations in accordance with our beliefs. However, these distinctions shall not serve as justification for unlawful discrimination on the prohibited grounds listed above.
- Harassment and Bullying
Any form of harassment, bullying or hostile behaviour based on a person’s protected characteristic — including derogatory comments, spiritual coercion, exclusion, or differential treatment — is inconsistent with our commitment to respect and dignity. Such conduct will be addressed promptly by church leadership.
- Reasonable Accommodations
The Restoration Hope Center will endeavour to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or other needs (e.g., access to physical spaces, communication assistance, program adjustments) unless doing so would impose undue hardship on the ministry. We encourage individuals who believe they need accommodations to contact our leadership team.
- Reporting and Resolution
If any person believes they have experienced discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment in connection with the Restoration Hope Center’s activities:
They are encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of a designated church leader (e.g., the Senior Pastor or Chair of the Leadership Team) in writing or verbally.
Such reports will be treated seriously, kept as confidential as appropriate, and investigated in a timely, fair and respectful manner.
If a violation is found, corrective action will be taken, which may include counselling, mediation, reassignment, or removal from ministry or facility access, depending on the nature and severity of the incident.
- Communication and Training
To support this policy:
We will publish it on our website and make it available in printed form to members, volunteers, and staff.
Leaders and volunteers will receive orientation regarding the policy, our expectations for respectful behavior, and how to handle concerns.
We will regularly review this policy and our practices to ensure alignment with our values and any applicable legal requirements.
- Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed at least biennially by the Leadership Team of the Restoration Hope Center and may be amended as required. Any changes will be communicated to the community in a timely manner.
Acknowledgement
By participating in the life of the Restoration Hope Center (whether as a worshipper, volunteer, visitor, or staff), you are part of a community committed to love, unity, and respect. We thank you for helping us live out that commitment.
Thank you for being part of our family in Christ.