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Promoting a safe church
An extensive set of guidelines has been put together by the Church of England for those with pastoral responsibilities.
View the full 'Promoting a safe church' guidelines >>
More information on these guidelines:
Safeguarding adults within the Church is based on sound pastoral care and good practice.
This policy document is addressed to everyone in the Church of England but especially to church workers who have some responsibility for the pastoral care of others. This document is intended to help members of the Church to consider issues of vulnerability, disability and integration. Understanding the needs of people with vulnerabilities will enhance pastoral ministry.- We are committed to respectful pastoral ministry to all adults within our church community
- We are committed, within our church community, to the safeguarding
and protection of vulnerable people
- We will carefully select and train all those with any pastoral
responsibility within the Church, including the use of Criminal Records
Bureau disclosures where legal or appropriate
- We will respond without delay to any complaint made that an adult for
whom we were responsible has been harmed, cooperating with police
and the local authority in any investigation
- We will seek to offer informed pastoral care to anyone who has
suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate healing ministry
- We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust
- We will care for and supervise any member of our church community
known to have offended against a vulnerable person
Further resources:
There are a great many resources available for those dealing with domestic violence in all forms.
See pages 47-50 of the guidelines for a full list of resources available both to those suffering abuse, and those seeking to learn more about how to prevent or deal with it.
Church of England 'Promoting a safe church' guidelines >>
Resources listed on the weblink to an external charity or organisation >>
Sainsbury Centre for mental Health guidance >>
Further resources: Quick links to relevant organisations:
www.volunteeringengland.org
www.elderabuse.org.uk
www.ageconcern.org.uk
www.alzheimers.org.uk
www.chaduk.org
www.helptheaged.org.uk
www.mencap.org.uk
www.mind.org.uk
www.rnib.org.uk
www.rnid.org.uk
www.scope.org.uk
www.shaftesburysociety.org.uk
www.throughtheroof.org