We are acutely aware that this past week in the life of the Church of England has been turbulent and painful, particularly for victims and survivors of abuse, who must remain front and centre in our thoughts, actions and prayers. As you know from our statement we believe that the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury has been the right thing, whilst recognising this has resulted in further turbulence.
Please be assured that all the right safeguarding processes are being followed regarding people in this diocese related to the content and findings of the Makin report. The letter linked below from Bishop Joanne Grenfell, the Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, not only outlines some key information but also helpfully reminds us of the journey we have been on regarding safeguarding, not least the current work being done in response to the Jay Report regarding independence. The meeting of General Synod in February 2025 will be significant in taking this forward.
Many of you will recall that this Diocese had our independent INEQ audit earlier this year and the audit found “a strong and tangible focus on safeguarding with a clear leadership commitment to create and support a culture that enables everyone engaged with and by the church to flourish”. That does not mean we should be complacent but we do hope it offers confidence in all that we are endeavouring to live together. As we approach Safeguarding Sunday (17 November) it is important for us all to renew our commitment and understanding that safeguarding is the responsibility of every one of us, not only in our worshipping communities but in our daily lives. It is about how we live the truth that every person is created in the image of God, and our desire to live and share the transforming love revealed in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, it is about a commitment to shining the light of Christ in dark places and bringing to light the brokenness that too often remains hidden.
We want to thank our superb diocesan safeguarding team, led by Brett Riches, and pay tribute to their wisdom, support and care, particularly in their response to victims and survivors. We also want to express our deep thanks to all those people who voluntarily live out the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) across the diocese. We also want to acknowledge that in a week when there has been so much focus on Archbishops and bishops, that the life of the Church is primarily what is being lived out at the local level and across so many different contexts of our diocese, and in so many different ways. We are saddened that the events of this week will have placed additional pressure on you, not least emotionally, and we are aware that trust and integrity has been brought into question. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to you for your ministry and your commitment to live and share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is a privilege to share in ministry with you.
It is our hope and prayer that as we all continue to reflect, that we will stay rooted and grounded in the one who brings life out of death, and that we will renew our commitment to live and share Christ’s life in all its fullness among the people and places of our daily lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.
We end by referring to Psalm 23, familiar to so many in places of celebration and sorrow. It is a good place to pause, pray and reflect.
With our thanks for you and with our prayers,
Statement from Bishop Joanne Grenfall, Lead Bishop for Safeguarding →
Contact details
You can contact the diocesan Safeguarding Team at ku.gr1742260716o.coi1742260716dsolg1742260716@gnid1742260716rauge1742260716fas1742260716 or call on 01452 835516 (office hours) or 07944 680320 (out of hours).
For any victims/survivors, or other impacted individuals, please remember the work of:
- Safe Spaces (Home – Safe Spaces England and Wales)
- Mind (Home – Mind)
- The Samaritans (Contact Us | Samaritans).
- The safeguarding team can also provide further guidance on sign-posting to other local/national support services.
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