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

Safeguarding is the responsibility of us all

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

The 5 R’s Approach to Safeguarding

Reading:   Lev 25. 23, 35 – 38a (NRSV)

The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; with me you are but aliens and tenants.

If any of your kin fall into difficulty and become dependent on you, you shall support them; they shall live with you as though resident aliens.
Do not take interest in advance or otherwise make a profit from them, but fear your God; let them live with you.
You shall not lend them your money at interest taken in advance or provide them food at a profit. I am the LORD your God.

It is through God’s grace that we have received from God and we are called to share with others and to love and protect the vulnerable.

Hymn:   Lord Jesus, think on me Synesius of Cyrene, Trans  – A. W. Chatfield

Lord Jesus, think on me,
And purge away my sin,
From worldly passions set me free,
And make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
With care and woe oppressed;
Let me thy loving servant be,
And taste thy promised rest.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
Amid the battle’s strife;
In all my pain and misery,
Be thou my health and life.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
Nor let me go astray;
Through darkness and perplexity,
Point thou the heavenly way.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
When flows the tempest high:
When on doth rush the enemy
O Saviour be thou nigh.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
That, when the flood is past,
I may the eternal brightness see
And share thy joy at last.

Prayer

Compassionate God, we ask you to give us the strength to stand in solidarity with victims,
the humility to come to terms with the sinful crimes of the past
and the patience to stop and listen to children and the vulnerable.

May families grow stronger and more resilient in their love and care for one another
so that children are raised in safe and nurturing environments
and the vulnerable are treated with proper respect and care.

We ask that those whose lives have been traumatised
through abuse may find the courage to share their story
and to find lasting peace and healing.

May we all continue to help build stronger faith communities
that will promote the safety of children and adults at risk
and work to ensure that policies and procedures are implemented
to protect children, young people and the vulnerable in our society.
Amen.