“You will be betrayed by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends…” Jesus, in today’s Gospel Luke 21:5-19.
“You don’t know who you might be helping….. It gave us our lives back.” Edward, one of those supported by Children in Need.
Today is Safeguarding Sunday, a campaign organised by Thirtyone:eight to highlight national awareness regarding the protection of vulnerable children and adults. This Christian charity takes its unusual name from Proverbs 31:8 and its advice to, “Speak out on behalf of the voiceless and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.” The theme this year is Action Speaks Louder, encouraging the development of good practice, real change and the building of safer churches, families and communities.
The Church of England has recently received much negative publicity regarding safeguarding issues, just as the Church in Wales has also been in the news for related adverse incidents in Swansea and Brecon as well as at Bangor Cathedral and in other places. It’s a reminder to us all that safeguarding involves current events and not just the historic incidents of regular abuse which were sometimes tolerated or covered up. As some of the adverse publicity shows, the owning of wrongdoing and the learning of lessons from terrible mistakes has been painful in an organisation charged with bringing light, hope and safety to those who turn to it. The Church has sometimes not responded well to allegations made when abuse has been disclosed but the resignation of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has indicated how seriously safeguarding is now being taken. Whilst that may bring little comfort to those who have suffered so greatly and whose voices have sometimes not been heard, perhaps it may help to know that measures are in place to safeguard the vulnerable in churches, their schools and chaplaincies and all clergy and post holders now have regular training in safeguarding and best practice.
Jesus spoke uncompromisingly of the need for care and protection of the vulnerable: “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18.6. In today’s Gospel, he also warns that, “You will be betrayed by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends…” and, although he is talking about the cost of following him then, abuse has been part of this for some who have come to church and not been safeguarded when it was needed.
This, however, is a hard subject as abuse occurs in homes, schools, community groups and places of work as well as churches. Support for the abused and the need to prevent recurrence are both needed but the church has also to be able to minister forgiveness along with healing, and mercy along with justice. Much of the recent adverse publicity has also overlooked the faithful outreach and welcome that many churches have safely provided over the years. And it’s not just in churches that Action Speaks Louder – many community challenges still lie ahead as responsibility is shared in seeking to protect, nurture and safeguard those around us.
Many positive things are resulting too and one person who has taken decisive action is Sarah Cox, the Radio 2 Presenter, who raised awareness as well asat least £9,523,028 in five daysby taking Pudsey Bear to Pudsey in her daily marathons. As she said, “There’s a lot of bad stuff goes on in the world and Children in Need just reminds you that there’s so much more good.” The amount Sarah raised shows the agreement and will of those supporting her with many turning out to cheer her on and raise money for such a worthy cause. Whatever lies ahead, there can be so much more good to celebrate in churches, communities and lives committed to compassion, care and safeguarding. Action Speaks Louder…..
With my prayers; pob bendith,
Christine, Priest Guardian.