We have woken this morning to find that, once again, safeguarding in the Church of England is headline news. While I don’t have all the facts on the story reported, I am mindful that behind the headlines are individuals and families dealing with a very difficult situation and my heart goes out to them.
Church of England statement in response to the Channel 4 news story.
Distressing as any news of this kind is, I want to reiterate my confidence in our diocesan safeguarding team, our parish safeguarding officers and in our safeguarding practices. I believe, however, that we need to fully examine all processes that may have an impact on safeguarding throughout the church and ensure that appropriate independent scrutiny is available where necessary for all safeguarding investigations, processes and situations if we are able to ensure that we are a safe church for all.
Safeguarding will be a focus of debate at the forthcoming General Synod and I have already shared my thoughts on this in an article for the Church Times to inform what I hope will be a robust dialogue.
Today’s news reminds us that we must all continue to take safeguarding seriously, whatever part we play in the church, as we work together to grow God’s Kingdom.
In March it will be our turn to be independently audited on our safeguarding practices and I welcome that opportunity to help us to continue to improve what we do. You still have time to share your views on safeguarding in Bath and Wells and I urge you to do so, whatever your role in the church, or connection with it.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this recent news and with all survivors of abuse. I know that media coverage of this nature could be distressing for survivors so, should you need to, please do draw on the support available.
Bishop Michael
Finding support
- Safe Spaces – a free and independent support service for anyone abused by someone in the church or as a result of their relationship with the church.
- The Survivors Trust – runs a fee, national helpline
- Safeline – works to help prevent sexual violence and supports anyone affected by it. They offer counselling and therapy, a male survivor helpline, prevention and early intervention and more.
More information on support for survivors can be found on our safeguarding section.