How does safeguarding vulnerable people relate to Christian faith? God calls us to protect the weak (James 1:27), speak up for those whose voices are not heard (Proverbs 31:8), follow Jesus’ example of servant leadership (Luke 22:26), and pursue God’s heart for justice for all (Micah 6:8). We are invited to join God’s mission to bring healing to the broken hearted, restore justice, and offer freedom and light where there is pain and darkness.
Church should be a place where we can worship, learn, and be together free from the fear of harm. Sadly, this hasn’t always been the case. However, thanks to the hard work and courage of many Christians across denominations, things are changing for the better.
The Safeguarding Sunday campaign by Thirtyone:eight has brought church leaders across denominations – Methodist, Church of England, Vineyard, United Reformed, Roman Catholic and the Elim network, together in a prayer of unity. The Safeguarding Sunday Prayer video features Safeguarding Heads and Church leaders from 25 UK Church denominations coming together for the first time publicly to pray that the church would be a safer place for all.
On Safeguarding Sunday on 20 November, churches across the country will be sharing what they’re doing to make their communities safer places where everyone can thrive. But there is still a way to go, and more for us to learn.
We’ve created some free resources to help you have this conversation with everyone in your congregation including children and young people. Our free church resource pack gives you everything you need to plan and run a service, including age-appropriate stories and activities for the children in your church.
Explore what safer places look like together and what to do to report anything worrying or concerning. Thank those who work behind the scenes to ensure safeguarding is top priority in everything you do. Use our song suggestions, prayers and liturgy to worship a God of justice and hope, who draws alongside the vulnerable and gives us the strength, compassion and wisdom to do so too.
One church. One day. One message. Join churches across the UK on Sunday 20 November for Safeguarding Sunday and protect vulnerable people together.
Register for Safeguarding Sunday 2022 and download your free church resource pack.
Thirtyone:eight (formerly Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service) is a Body in Association with Churches Together in England.
Photo credit: © Megan Flick via Lightstock