Sunday 16 November is Safeguarding Sunday and on this day as well as over the following weeks, thousands of churches from diverse backgrounds and traditions will join together to shout about safeguarding and help protect vulnerable people.
The campaign is now in its 7th year and last year saw over 5000 churches across the UK, from a variety of backgrounds and traditions take part. It is a moment in the Church’s calendar to reflect, give thanks, and recommit ourselves to making our churches safe places for all; to reflect on our safeguarding journey, and highlight all the good work that is being done to create safer places.
It’s also a time to honour the dedication of parish safeguarding officers and volunteers, to pray for those affected by abuse or harm, and to reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect the vulnerable in our communities.
Defending the rights of vulnerable people is integral to Christian faith and teaching. Sadly, the church hasn’t always done this well. But we have a chance to change that. We are already seeing many churches take the responsibility to safeguard those in their care seriously. That's why our theme this year is - Action speaks louder! It's time to move beyond just talking about creating safer places, and take action towards doing it!
Safeguarding Sunday offers space for honest conversation and learning, helping us to grow into communities of care, transparency, and trust.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can create environments where all feel valued, respected, and safe.
