The news of Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation last month has sent ripples across the wider church. The safeguarding issues that have come to light are devastating, and Churches Together in England prays for all victims and survivors seeking healing and justice. Churches Together in England invited the independent, Christian safeguarding charity, Thirtyone:eight (a Charity and Network in Association with CTE) to share their thoughts on church safeguarding in the wake of Archbishop Welby’s resignation.
Thirtyone:eight writes…
Regardless of denomination or tradition, the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby over the Church of England’s issues with safeguarding calls us to an urgent and honest conversation. It’s time to focus on the church’s ability to protect people from harm, its culture, and how it is held accountable. As Welby’s tenure draws to a close, this moment offers a crucial opportunity for us to collectively prioritise safeguarding, examine our safeguarding practices and recommit to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable within our care.
The resignation of a high-ranking leader, such as Welby, should not simply be seen as a moment of transition, but rather as a clarion call to meaningful change. The Makin report follows other reports, such as the Wilkinson and Jay reviews, and the Independent Inquiry into Childhood Sex Abuse. Each review urges the same thing – that churches take safeguarding seriously, prioritise improving their practices, and take better care of its victims and survivors.
Building on many existing good practices in churches, together we must continue to be proactive in fostering healthy cultures that recognise and address the potential for harm before it occurs. This means addressing hierarchal structures, holding leaders accountable, regularly reviewing safeguarding practices, offering training for volunteers and staff, and building a community where everyone feels empowered to speak up. Churches must engage in conversations about safeguarding with honesty and vulnerability.
The church is called to be a refuge, a sanctuary, and a space for the hurting to find healing. The legacy of Archbishop Welby’s resignation should mark a decisive turning point in the Church’s approach to safeguarding. This is a pivotal moment for a cultural shift across the whole Church, where safeguarding and the experiences of victims and survivors are treated as a priority, not an afterthought. We are called to love, and a church that truly loves is a church striving to be safe. We now have an opportunity to transform ourselves into safer places, that truly value the protection and dignity of all people. Together we can create a church where every child and adult is, and feels, safe.