Churches across the UK will be highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable people as part of Safeguarding Sunday, an awareness-raising national campaign organised by Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight.
This year’s Safeguarding Sunday campaign takes place on 20th November, coinciding with the start of National Safeguarding Adults Week (21–27 November). The theme this year is: ‘One church, One day, One message: Protecting vulnerable people. Together’.
Amid increasing revelations of abuse taking place in church settings, and in the wake of reports from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), keeping vulnerable people safe is more important than ever. Churches across every denomination will be looking to learn from these safeguarding failings and strengthen their safeguarding policies, procedures, and culture.
Church should be a place to worship, learn, and be together free from the fear of harm. Thanks to the hard work and courage of many Christians across denominations, things are changing for the better. But there is still a way to go and more to learn.
Last year, more than 2,000 churches took part in the event, with this year looking to be bigger than ever. People will have the chance to explore with their church workers what to do when they feel worried or upset, and the importance of speaking up.
Church workers can download a free resource pack to help them plan the event, including a range of activities for children to help them understand that their voice matters. ‘Roarry’ the lion will bring these activities to life, with children being encouraged to ‘raise their roar’ if they feel unsafe or are worried about someone.
The campaign draws on key passages from the Bible, including God’s call to protect the weak (James 1:27), speaking up for vulnerable people (Proverbs 31:8), following Jesus’ example of servant leadership (Luke 22:26), and pursing God’s heart for justice for all (Micah 6:8).
Justin Humphreys, Joint Chief Executive at Thirtyone:eight, said:
“While we can’t and shouldn’t ignore abuse that has happened within the Church, of which there has been plenty of media coverage, Safeguarding Sunday is a chance to shine a light on what so many churches are doing to make places of worship safer. We mustn’t forget that protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of the Christian message of justice and hope. I want to thank everyone who is doing this vital ongoing work and taking part in this year’s campaign to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding in their church and community.”
For more information and to download the free church resource pack visit thirtyoneeight.org/SafeguardingSunday
