This Sunday was Safeguarding Sunday.
Many will have seen in the news that the Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned following a report into a prolific child abuser. The report concluded he 'could and should' have done more to report and prevent the abuse.
If you want to see a little more of what has been reported there is an article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gvpyzxvjpo
I realise this a very sensitive issue and may raise all kinds of feelings for us. The announcements and media coverage should not overshadow care and concern for the victims and survivors of this abuse, along with highlighting the trauma of all victims and survivors of abuse where any announcement like this can have a profound impact.
In recent decades, the Church of England has undergone a major culture shift in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, embracing vigilance, reporting, and shared responsibility. This has made the church a safer place, yet any failures are deeply painful, especially in serious cases like this highlighting the need for further reform and improvements. Such failures impact lives, call progress into question, and damage the church's credibility once again. Light continues to shine on dark places in the church and this is always right. Abuse and safeguarding failures have and continue to hurt so many and this is contrary to the life giving message and example of Jesus.
We take the area of safeguarding very seriously at St Paul's. I want you to know that if you ever have an issue or concern, our clergy and our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Sarah Denner are available. You can get hold of Sarah at safeguarding@stpaulsirelandwood.org, further details are on our website www.stpaulsirelandwood.org/safeguarding. There is also further information around safeguarding through the Diocese of Leeds. https://leeds.anglican.org/safeguarding2/
If you wish to talk about any of this or if this has brought up painful memories or emotions, please do reach out. We are here to listen, support and help.
It is also deeply important to be praying.
We pray for the victims and survivors of the abuse by John Smyth who have suffered and continue to suffer. We pray for those who experience the retraumatising impact of these announcements. We pray for those who come alongside and support victims and survivors of abuse. We pray for Justin Welby, who in taking responsibility both personally and institutionally, finds himself in the glare of media, public scrutiny and blame. We pray for his family and friends as they support him. We pray for the church that we would do all that we can to seek justice, care for and protect the vulnerable, to repent where we get things wrong and to turn to Jesus, our source of healing, wisdom, and strength. May His grace guide us to be a church that truly serves, protects, and uplifts the brokenhearted, and may His Spirit lead us in humble repentance, to walk ever closer to Him in faith and obedience. Amen.