How can clergy and religious promote a culture of safeguarding? The faith of everyone in the laity has been tested by the crisis and will continue to be so for some time into the future. The witness of all baptised to God’s love has been obscured and compromised by the prominence of the scandal. The scepticism of the world confronts all members of the Body of Christ as never before.” Rome Symposium (February 2012)

How can clergy and religious promote a culture of safeguarding? This is the context within which we work... and it is a situation that is not only damaging to the gospel mission but is a barrier to evangelisation. In this time of great testing we need to have theological understanding and we need to actively promote key values that will help us work towards a culture of safeguarding: – respect for the individual; responsibility and accountability; – responsibility and accountability; – compassion and support; – questioning and challenging; – learning and changing.

How can clergy and religious promote a culture of safeguarding? His Holiness Pope Benedict on his visit to Britain in September 2010 stated: “Our first interest is for the victims: how can we repair the damage done? What can we do to help these people overcome this trauma, to regain their life and rediscover confidence in the message of Christ? Care, commitment to victims is the first priority, with material, psychological, spiritual aid.”

How can clergy and religious promote a culture of safeguarding? Following today, you may wish to share aspects of what we have explored together within your churches, in every day/every week activities: Liturgy classes Parent and toddler groups Giving support and encouragement Encouraging children in to the life of the church Once you see these as part of safeguarding it becomes part of the everyday life of the church and its ministry.