Teams
Safeguarding
Embracing the protection from harm of children and young people, and of adults who are especially vulnerable.
About
‘Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God’
When children and adults came to Jesus they were welcome and safe – and we, who are called to be his followers, must do all we can to ensure the welcome and safety of all.
Throughout the Bible it is a mark of genuine worship and justice that all people should be cared for and particularly the vulnerable – widows and orphans. In this regard, we have established a policy not just to include the safety and welfare of children but all who need protection.
This may seem like a daunting amount of paperwork and procedures. People will ask, it is necessary in this small Island? The answer is a resounding YES! This is not an option for any to ignore. The Church of all places much be a place of best practice if it is to be a place of good news and of healing. So, I ask you to read it carefully and to support those whose job it is to put it into place. This is all about creating the environment where all people can worship God without fear and in freedom. It is part of our pastoral care to them.
We aim to establish best practice and, if things do go wrong, to respond swiftly, safely and compressively, partnering with other agencies to provide the best care, protection and support that we can. This is always a work in progress, but we need to start somewhere. It is my belief that this policy is a much needed and good first step going forward, but also will provide a framework for helping any who have been subject to abuse in the past.
As a church, we are uniquely able to both protect and to offer healing, to help break the chains of the past and to bring freedom through the work of God, Father Son and Holy Spirit and the care and love of His family, the church community. Thanks to those who have helped pull this together, drawing on the experience of other Anglican Churches around the world and our local charity SCARS. We are open to ways that this may be improved upon as you not only think of how this applies to others, but how it might feel to you.
‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.’
Events
Articles
Documents
March 14, 2024 Safeguarding Policy Executive Summary
March 13, 2024 Guidelines for Pastoral Visiting
March 13, 2024 Volunteer Code of Conduct
March 13, 2024 Safeguarding Policy