19/09/2024
Churches across the country are encouraged to mark Safeguarding Sunday on November 17. This important initiative is a chance for congregations to use their regular Sunday service to listen and talk together about how spaces can be created that are safer for everyone and thank those working behind the scenes to make our churches safer for all.
The theme and focus for this year is – ‘Let’s talk about it’- to encourage churches to talk about how communities can work together to prevent abuse and create a world where every child and adult can feel and be safe.
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.
“Protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of the Christian message.
“Safeguarding Sunday is about every person in the church knowing why we do what we do and knowing what part they can contribute to that.
“It is a chance to recognise the role of the parish as the front line of safeguarding and for parishes to show their communities the support they can offer to those who attend church, and those who don’t.” Said Bishop Joanne Grenfell, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop.