Kirk highlights Safeguarding Sunday opportunity for congregations
Published on 6 September 2024 1 minute read
The Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight has launched its annual safeguarding awareness campaign for churches, including free resources for congregations.
This year's Safeguarding Sunday takes place on 17 November with the slogan ‘Let's Talk About It', encouraging churches to be more open about safeguarding practices, celebrate all the good work that is being done to safeguard vulnerable people and create positive safeguarding cultures and safer communities for all.
To take part in the campaign churches can register for a free digital resource pack to help congregations hold a safeguarding themed service or to include safeguarding within a service.
The pack helps congregations develop their safeguarding efforts through prayers, sermon notes, activity ideas, children's resources, and more.
Last year saw over 4000 churches from diverse backgrounds and traditions across the UK coming together to consider their safeguarding journey.
Rev Dr Sonia Blakesley, Convener of the Safeguarding Committee of the Church of Scotland, said:
"Safeguarding Sunday is an opportunity to come together as a Church to explain the importance of safeguarding.
"The General Assembly of 2024 instructed the Safeguarding Service to consider the vision of safeguarding across all areas of the Church and to encourage all to support and develop a positive Safeguarding culture.
"With this in mind, we would like to encourage churches across the country to mark Safeguarding Sunday on Sunday 17th November 2024 alongside congregations of other denominations.
"Safeguarding Sunday offers an opportunity for us to commit together as a Church to create safe spaces for all, and explain why safeguarding is so important.
"The occasion also allows us to demonstrate how safeguarding is integral to the Christian message and talk about what you have in place in your congregation to safeguard vulnerable people.
"It also offers the opportunity to thank and acknowledge all of those people who are working to ensure a safe Church for all."
Peter Wright, Thirtyone:eight's campaign lead, said:
"Protecting vulnerable people from harm and speaking up for their rights is an integral part of our scriptural mandate as Christians.
"Taking just one Sunday to talk about safeguarding, can have a huge impact.
"Whatever the tradition or style of your church, if you have just a few minutes or can dedicate a whole service it all counts.
"Join us and be part of this incredible movement for good."