Safeguarding 2025 – ‘Action Speak Louder ‘

Safeguarding Sunday this year is 16 November 2025
This year’s theme is
‘Action Speaks Louder’

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church.
Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.
House of Bishops, Promoting a Safer Church, 2017

This image is taken from Countess of Chester NHS Hospital

Safeguarding is the responsibility of us all

https://stgeorgesbeckenham.co.uk/safeguarding/

“Protecting vulnerable people from harm and speaking up for their rights is an integral part of our scriptural mandate as Christians.
Sadly, the church hasn’t always done this well. But we have a chance to change that.
When we look at the life of Jesus, he didn’t just teach, he took action that backed up his words.
That’s why our theme and focus for this year is – ‘Action Speaks Louder’. It’s time to move from talking about safeguarding to taking action.
We need to improve where we’ve got it wrong and do more of what we’re getting right. It’s a chance to reflect, build on good work, and act on preventing abuse and creating a Church where everyone can feel and be safe.”                            Peter Wright, Head of Communications – Thirtyone:eight

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Reading   –   Verses from Psalm 91 (vv 1, 2, 4, 11 – 16) (NRSV)

1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
2 will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
4 he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and defence.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14 Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.
15 When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble;
I will rescue them and honour them.
16 With long life I will satisfy them
and show them my salvation.

We can have confidence in God. Whatever the circumstances or challenges of life, God gives protection.
We can work with God to give protection and care for those in need.

Hymn:   We are one in the spirit  – Peter Scholtes

We are one in the Spirit,
we are one in the Lord,
we are one in the Spirit,
we are one in the Lord,
and we pray that all unity
will one day be restored
Refrain:
and they’ll know we are Christians
by our love, by our love,
and they’ll know we are Christians
by our love.

We will walk with each other,
we will walk hand in hand,
we will walk with each other,
we will walk hand in hand,
and together we’ll spread the news
that God is in our land.
(Refrain)

We will work with each other,
we will work side by side,
we will work with each other,
we will work side by side,
and we’ll guard each one’s dignity
and save each one’s pride.
(Refrain)

All praise to the Father,
from whom all things come,
and all praise to Christ Jesus,
who is God’s only Son,
and all praise to the Spirit,
who makes us one,

Prayers

Gracious God,
you forgive our sins when we repent and seek your will.
Teach us your ways of caring and compassion,
and forgive us for failing to be aware of the needs of others.
May we respond to your great forgiveness
by committing ourselves more fully to the well-being
of those in our care.
Amen.