Solihull Parish

Safeguarding Sunday – 17th November 2024

The headline news and comment surrounding the publication of the Makin Report, and the subsequent resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, reveals the devastating effect of abuse made so much worse by institutional failure. 
Our first thoughts must be for all victims and survivors of abuse. 
At the same time, it is important to restate our ongoing determination to make parish safeguarding the priority it should be.

In this we are committed:
To deal with any safeguarding concerns or disclosures well (professionally, in a timely manner, making referrals when appropriate).
To offer care and support to any who have been affected by abuse, whatever form it may have taken.
To have and follow robust practices and procedures, including ‘safer recruitment’ of all employees and volunteers.
To foster a strong safeguarding culture through teaching and training.
This also includes a determination to listen well and to learn from the mistakes of the past.
 
Our Bishop of Birmingham, Michael Volland writes:
“This is a challenging time for victims and survivors of abuse. I believe that the Church of England is committed to being a safe place for all, with safeguarding a priority of the highest order. With the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury highlighting our commitment and our past failings as a national church, be assured the Church of England Birmingham will continue to strive to create and maintain a safeguarding culture and processes in which all can know that they are safe, and all voices are recognised.
I encourage us to hold victims and survivors of abuse in prayer, now and always, and to honour and learn from their examples of courage and bravery.  Please also pray for the clergy, lay leaders and congregations of the wider Church of England, and the diverse communities we are called to serve in Jesus’ name.”
 
A Safeguarding Sunday Prayer:
Loving God,
We come to you in the knowledge that you hold all your children in unconditional love.
We lift to you those who are vulnerable and in need of protection.
Give them your safety, comfort, and peace.
We cry to you for those who are hurting and whose trust has been broken.
Give them your healing, restoration, and justice.
We bring to you those who seek to forgive others who have hurt them.
Give them your strength, courage, and hope.
For those who have caused harm and suffering to your children,
lead them to seek your forgiveness and to enter into true repentance.
Thank you for all who give their time, knowledge, and skills to make our communities safer.
Give them your wisdom, guidance, and grace.
For ourselves, we ask you to give us your heart for the vulnerable, the oppressed, the voiceless and the forgotten.
Help us to see them as you see them; to value them as you value them, and to nurture and protect them as you desire.
Help each one of us play our part in creating safer places for all your people.
In the name of Jesus we pray,
Amen.

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