CAPTION: About 5400 churches take part in Safeguarding Sunday each year
Barnstaple Church to Hang Ribbons to Honour Survivors of Abuse for Safeguarding Sunday
Barnstaple parish church is planning to mark Safeguarding Sunday on 15 November by tying ribbons to the railings outside the church to honour survivors of abuse, to acknowledge the failings of the church in the past and to celebrate the positive work being done now to ‘look after each other.’
The church has also invited James May, from the Diocese of Exeter’s Safeguarding team to come and speak at the service, which is at 1030am.
Safeguarding Sunday is run by the charity Thirtyone:eight and there are service plans and ideas for churches on its website.
The theme of this year’s Safeguarding Sunday is ‘Love Protects’, based on the Bible passage 1 Corinthians 13.
Barnstaple Parish Church will be reflecting on the theme ‘Love Protects’
Katherine Ritchie is the former Parish Safeguarding Representative (PSR) for Barnstaple parish church and is also a deputy churchwarden and lay leader there.
She said she felt holding a Safeguarding Sunday service was important because “Safeguarding is such a fundamental part of what it is to be Christian. We are commanded by Christ to love one another, as he loves us.
“Love protects, love speaks up, love challenges wrong, love persists – it doesn’t stop even when it’s uncomfortable, or awkward or unpopular. Love gives a voice to the vulnerable and the hurt.
“Safeguarding Sunday is a time to honour the survivors of abuse, reflect on the failings of the church in the past, and to celebrate the work we do to look after each other.”
Thirtyone:eight said around 5400 churches took part in Safeguarding Sunday last year and those that did reported better positive awareness of safeguarding amongst church members, increased numbers of people feeling able to talk about their abuse for the first time, new people volunteering for safeguarding and childrens and youthwork roles, more people completing safeguarding training and DBS checks and parish safeguarding reps feeling more supported in what they do.
Katherine said: “”Churches can live out the Love Protects theme by making choices every day to put love at the centre of everything we do.
“By putting Safeguarding at the top of the agenda (literally) in our meetings, discussions and decision making. By listening to survivors of abuse. By taking action. By creating a safe space, where everyone feels welcome, protected, loved and respected.”
You can find out how to take part in Safeguarding Sunday here.
