Photo: The Parish Safeguarding Officer at The Holy Redeemer, Lamorbey is prayed for.
Many parishes across the Diocese marked Safeguarding Sunday on Sunday 17 November.
Safeguarding Sunday, organised by the Christian Charity thirtyone:eight, is an opportunity for churches to listen and talk together about how they can create places and cultures that protect people from the damaging effects of harm and abuse.
It’s also a chance to give thanks for those working hard in parishes to ensure good safeguarding practice is undertaken and that everyone knows where to go if they need help.
At the Holy Redeemer, Lamorbey, there were prayers for the victims and survivors of abuse, 'for integrity, protection, empathy, justice and healing.'
They also prayed for their Safeguarding Officer, Brenda, for all the hard work and commitment she and others within the church take to keep others safe.
At St James’, Tunbridge Wells, the whole service had a whole focus on Safeguarding being everyone's responsibility.
The Rev Judi Hammil read out some of the letter Bishop Jonathan issued following the publication of the Makin Review into the abuse of John Smyth and the Church’s response.
Several activities were used to get people thinking about their role in safeguarding, says Vanessa, the Parish Safeguarding Officer:
“We played a game of pontoon, where we read a scenario - at each card we had a stick, twist, or tell the PSO. We also had a game of True or False which included 10 scenarios in which you could either choose to discuss with the PSO or not .
At St George’s, Weald Sevenoaks, Safeguarding Sunday was also fully embraced. A sermon by the Rev Mandy Carr reflected on the topic of power and its misuse.
They also used some of the thirtyone:eight resources, including the prayers and the short, filmed poem, ‘Safe'.
In the parish of Hoo St Werburgh, safeguarding was explored in a variety of age-appropriate ways at their Café Communion service for all ages.
The service included a talk by the PSO, Vanessa Ewing, and a short talking activity was available at each table, with a chance for quick feedback and discussion with each other.
Each adult was given a booklet to take away with Safeguarding contact numbers, and the children enjoyed the thirtyone:eight, 'Roarry the lion activity pack'.
Vanessa says,
“It was so good to see lots of different people joining in and engaging with this vital matter, including long-standing members and new faces.”
Over in Anerley, Bishop Jonathan joined the parish of Christ Church where he gave thanks for the care and attention being given at the grassroots there, and in parishes across the Diocese, to safeguarding.
He said that the Church was at a watershed moment, with a fundamental shift needed to ensure that children, vulnerable adults, and victims and survivors of abuse are "at the heart and centre of everything we do".
Watch his sermon below (watch from 1h 16 min in) or read it in full here.
As part of an interview during the service he spoke about how growing safer and healthy churches was a key priority in the emerging diocesan vision:
Our vision is that seeking first the Kingdom of God, we are called together by God to change, serve and grow with compassion, courage, and creativity.
What does that mean?
Well the number one priority for me given all that has happened and on this Safeguarding Sunday is that we are called by God to grow churches that are safe and healthy for all.
That people may come to faith, that they grow in faith, that they may be nurtured in faith, that they may grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ and that they may experience the fullness of life that is his wish for all.
Speaking at the service at St Andrew’s Paddock Wood, Lead Safeguarding Officer for the Diocese, Greg Barry, acknowledged the wider impact of the recent Makin report, and took the opportunity to remind people about the support available (See the links below):
“We know that the release of the Makin report and the surrounding media interest has triggered memories for some people about their own abuse and I urge anyone who has been affected to seek help.
“There are external organisations who can help, as well as parish teams, and you also contact us in the diocesan team.
He also said it was vital that people should never think that abuse could not happen in their church:
“That is a trap so many organisations have fallen into. Safeguarding is more than about doing a course, getting a DBS, keeping registers, doing risk assessments, as important as they are.
“Rather, safeguarding is about the culture of the church, from its leaders to its youngest members.
“It is about all of us. How we conduct our lives and set an example, as we should do, as good Christians, and asking, ‘Are we a safe church can people speak out in? Do they feel comfortable? Will they be listened to?”
Seeking support
If you or someone you are concerned about is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact one of our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers.
For more general support:
- Safe Spaces is an independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse. The Safe Spaces initiative is funded by the Church of England together with the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Church in Wales. It is free to access via telephone - 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times) or visit: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
- Download a full list of support organisations and services
Find out how you can explore how to create a healthy culture in your church. Visit our dedicated pages Creating Healthy Culture page: www.rochester.anglican.org/everyday-faith/ourfaithinaction/creatinghealthycultures/