RICHMOND (RNS) — The Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board has requested that participants in its short-term mission trips pass background checks before leaving for the field.
The new child protection policy, which is not mandatory and would not apply to missions trips taken independently of the IMB, was approved at a September meeting of trustees. It becomes effective Jan. 1, 2009, the board announced.
The process will include references, a criminal background check and an interview by local churches.