The resignation of Archbishop Justin this week is a stark reminder of just how important our safeguarding practice and policy is in all our churches. The Lessons Learnt Review into the horrific abuse by the late John Smyth is a reminder of the lifelong effects on victims and survivors and we pray for them.
This Sunday is designated as Safeguarding Sunday, a time to remind ourselves that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and thank the thousands of volunteers in all our parishes who take it seriously, take part in the (sometimes uncomfortable) training and are effective and vigilant all year-round in our church activities.
We especially celebrate the parish safeguarding officers (and ministers in their absence) who work hard to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe and work closely with our diocesan safeguarding colleagues.
Churches that aren’t participating this Sunday are still able to use the resources at safeguardingsunday.org at any time in the year.