Safeguarding Sunday: 19th November 2023

Safeguarding is an essential part in the life and ministry of the Church.  It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure our parishes and institutions are safe places, especially for those who are vulnerable.  Abuse and harm have no place in our diocese.  There is zero tolerance to abuse, harm and any behaviour that falls short of appropriate safeguarding practices as expressed in National Policies.

Jesus welcomed children and blessed them.  We are told that Jesus was indignant when anyone tried to keep the children away “let the little children come to me and do not stop them.  It is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10: 14).

Jesus makes clear his view about those who seek to harm the vulnerable, “anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.  Anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith in me would be better drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18: 5-6) Jesus’ stark words point to the horror and seriousness of abuse.  Abuse is evil.  It is destructive.

Everyone in our diocese is called to ensure that all diocesan institutions, parishes, clergy, employees and volunteers take appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment and put into practice Christ’s ministry towards children, young people, and vulnerable adults.   Our diocese is committed to accompany and support all victims/survivors of abuse.  We seek to learn from them and their representatives about best safeguarding practice.

I would ask you to support Safeguarding Sunday on 19th November 2023.  Safeguarding Sunday is an opportunity to raise awareness of safeguarding, reflect on our own safeguarding journey and celebrate all the good work being done by the diocesan safeguarding office and parish representatives.

Janice Pearson the newly appointed Safeguarding Coordinator would like to visit parishes within the diocese.  Janice can be contacted at janice.pearson@cliftondiocese.com if you would like to invite her to visit your parish.

Bishop Declan

Reporting abuse:

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger. 

It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased. 

If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police. 

If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to our safeguarding Co-ordinator Becky Cawsey  0117 954 0993 

What is Safeguarding?

“Being loved and being kept safe go to the very core of the Church’s Ministry to children and vulnerable adults.  The work of safeguarding has to be seen within the overall mission of the Church.  As she seeks to protect the vulnerable and weak, the Church needs to ‘act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God’.  (Micah 6:8).

It is a ministry of love and healing and seeks justice for all”.
The Cumberlege Commission 2007

As Catholics, we recognise that every human being has a value and dignity which we acknowledge as coming directly from God’s creation of male and female in his own image and likeness.  This implies a duty to value all people and therefore to support them and protect them from harm.In the Catholic Church, this is demonstrated by the provision of carefully planned activities for children, young people and adults; supporting families under stress; caring for those hurt by abuse, ministering to and managing those who have caused harm.  It is because of these varied ministries that we need to provide a safe environment for all which promotes and supports their wellbeing.  This will include carefully selecting and appointing those who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults and responding robustly where concerns arise.All volunteers and employees working with vulnerable groups must agree to adhere to the Catholic Church’s National Safeguarding Policies before they can be appointed.  We are fortunate to have so many people willing and able to help up fulfil our ministry.There is no doubt that revelations in recent years concerning abuse by those within the Church has caused shock, sadness and great pain to so many.  The credibility of the Church in the wider community has been undermined.The Church is committed to learning from past failures, to sharing best practice and to exploring ways of collaborating with others to ensure our Church is a community where all members will be kept safe and feel loved.“As a Church we have a responsibility to ensure safe environments for all our children, young people and vulnerable adults.  We have a duty and ministry to heal broken lives and give new hope to those who have been sinned against”.

Bishop Declan’s Pastoral letter 18th February 2012