The Church is called:

• to love, shelter, protect and defend children within its own community and in the world, especially those who are abused, neglected or in danger;
• to nurture and support families in caring for their children, acting in their children’s best interest, and recognizing and fostering their children’s spirituality and unique gifts;
• to embrace children who seek Christian nurture independently of their parents’ participation in the church;
• to advocate for the integrity of childhood and the dignity of children at every level of our religious, civic and political structures.

-- from The Children’s Charter for The Church