Safeguarding Sunday – are you taking part?

For many of us in church life, safeguarding can feel like something imposed from the outside, but what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? What if safeguarding isn’t about compliance at all, but about the very heart of what it means to follow Jesus?

In its simplest terms, safeguarding is the protection of those in our care. In 1 Corinthians 13, we’re told that love protects. Safeguarding isn’t an external pressure or ‘thing to do’, it’s an act of love. And love is central to our faith. This is what we will be considering on Safeguarding Sunday, which this year falls on 15 November.

Revd Lis Sparrow, Vicar of St John the Baptist church in Bridgwater has shared a document she wrote called ‘Safeguarding through the lens of 1 Corinthians 13’ which explores the subject of safeguarding using the original text. Lis has kindly given permission for anyone to use the document which you can download below, but please do credit Lis when you use or share it.

Ben Goodhind, diocesan Safeguarding Manager said, “I hope all our parishes will take advantage of the resources available and hold a Safeguarding Sunday service, even if it isn’t on the 15 November. A Safeguarding Sunday service is an important opportunity to share the message that we take safeguarding seriously, to remember those who we have failed in the past, but also to celebrate the efforts of those who are making a difference in our churches and helping them be safe places for all.”

Find out more and register to receive your Safeguarding Sunday resources.