Support Safeguarding Sunday

25/06/2021

The Church of England is supporting this year’s Safeguarding Sunday, 10 October 2021, encouraging local churches to use their regular Sunday service to explore together what safer places look like, and to thank all those working behind the scenes to make our churches safer for all. There are already more churches signed up at this stage than all participants last year and General Synod members will be encouraged at the July Synod meeting to promote the dedicated day in their dioceses.

The ecumenical initiative from specialist safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight provides bespoke resources including films and animations, prayers, preaching notes, children's activity sheets, hymns and songs and a safeguarding pledge. 

A short sermon for use on the day has been provided by Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop who spoke about Safeguarding Sunday in his General Synod presentation in July.  

“Whether churches can give just a few minutes or dedicate their whole service, Safeguarding Sunday is a really helpful and important way of focusing on all the work that goes on 365 days a year in our churches to make them safe places. 

"From our children’s and young people’s activities to clubs for the elderly and foodbanks, our churches are involved in every community. Protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of the Christian message.

"Safeguarding Sunday is all about creating an opportunity for churches to show their communities that they take this responsibility seriously,” said Bishop Jonathan. 

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