Safeguarding Sunday - 16th November 2025

Since 2019 churches in the UK have taken part in Safeguarding Sunday, an annual safeguarding campaign spearheaded by thirtyone:eight. The campaign helps churches to raise awareness of safeguarding and to talk to their communities about what they are doing to create safer environments. The campaign encourages churches to hold at least one, or part of, a special service each year dedicated to safeguarding awareness.   In 2024 nearly 6000 churches from various traditions and denominations took part in Safeguarding Sunday and this year it is hoped even more churches will become involved.  I encourage every parish to mark this day with reverence and sincerity, and commend to you the prayers and resources available on the thirtyone:eight website https://thirtyoneeight.org/news/safeguarding-sunday-2025-launched

 Thank you for your care, your prayer, and your faithful witness.

 A Prayer from Bishop Bosco for Safeguarding Sunday

In Clifton Diocese we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all those entrusted to our care, especially the most vulnerable among us. The Church’s mission is to bring the light of Christ to the world, and we must be vigilant in protecting those who are at risk of harm. The sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults is a grave sin that deeply offends our Lord and causes immense harm to victims.

As the shepherd of this diocese, I take this responsibility very seriously and I am determined to do everything in my power to prevent such abuses from occurring and to respond swiftly and compassionately when they do.

To this end, we have implemented robust safeguarding policies and procedures throughout the diocese.  It is the responsibility of everyone within the Diocese of Clifton to ensure our parishes and institutions are safe places, especially for those who are vulnerable. We have a zero tolerance to abuse, harm and any behaviour that falls short of appropriate safeguarding practices as expressed in National Policies from the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency.

We are also committed to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the Church in all our activities. Responding to those who come forward to report having suffered harm is a vital part of our mission and the Diocese is committed to being a welcoming and safe Church that is truly a beacon of light and hope for all.

We strive to support survivors and those who have been harmed by the Church, and we wish to work with survivors to improve standards further.  We will listen and learn from every survivor/victim we work with.

May the grace of God strengthen us in this vital mission.

Bishop Bosco MacDonald, May 2024