In July 2019, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) held a hearing into the extent of any institutional failures to protect children from sexual abuse within the Anglican Church.
Their findings will be published on the 6 October, 2020.
In response, we offer these prayers, as we reflect on what we have heard during the IICSA process, and what we are learning needs to change, thanks to the brave testimony of survivors.
We invite you to share in them with us. They can be used at any time.
These prayers have been written by the Venerable Julie Conalty, Archdeacon of Tonbridge, who is also the Bishop's Lead for Safeguarding in the Diocese. They have been written in consultation with a survivor, to whom we are hugely grateful.
Please find the prayers here:
They are also available to download here:
IICSA prayer - Compassionate God
Senior members of the Church have spoken as to the 'powerful' and 'emotional' impact of IICSA's report into the Diocese of Chichester and the Peter Ball, which all in the Church are encouraged to spend time with and reflect upon. You can find it here
- Read the text of the letter from senior clergy in Blackburn Diocese here.
- Listen to an interview with the Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Burnley on BBC Radio 4's Sunday programme here (32mins in)
- Read the Church of England's response to the report here
Need support?
As a Diocese we take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and we are committed to ensuring that our churches and buildings are safe places for all.
If you or someone you are concerned about is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999
Alternatively, please visit our safeguarding pages for more contact details and guidance. You can find them here
In addition, Safe Spaces is an independent service now available, supporting survivors of church-related abuse. This independent service is run by the charity Victim Support and 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), email - safespaces@victimsupport.org, or web-chat via www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/