Today is Diocesan Safeguarding Sunday. This year’s focus is on the theme of “The Empty Chair”. Many of us are saddened by reducing numbers in our churches. This is happening for a wide variety of reasons, but our thoughts are on those who are not there because they have suffered abuse in a church setting and cannot face being here. They may be the families or friends of survivors. They may be former members of a community affected by allegations or convictions for abuse. They may be people who are simply so disgusted or ashamed by what they have heard about abuse within the Church that they no longer want to be part of it. All these groups and others are represented by “The Empty Chair”.
What is Safeguarding? Safeguarding is about protecting ourselves and others from harm. We all get things wrong, and sometimes the things we do and say can hurt others, or we can get hurt by them. This can happen anywhere – at church, school, home, or with friends – and makes us feel sad, worried, or confused. Just like an umbrella that keeps us safe from the rain, safeguarding protects us from being hurt by others. It’s important because each of us is special to God and deserves to feel, and be, safe. In our country we have rules and laws to help keep people safe. Just like a lollipop person helps us cross the road safely, we have people in our church who make sure we follow these rules to make it a safe place. Everyone has a job to do. If you ever feel worried, upset, or unsure about something that happened to you or someone else, tell someone you trust. By speaking up, we can help keep everyone safe. Remember, safeguarding is all about protecting ourselves and others from harm. Thank you to Rosaleen Walters and Bridget Doyle for all the work they do as our safeguarding representatives in our parishes.
Safeguarding Sunday – Letter from Bishop Patrick for Parishes and Chaplaincies