‘Safeguarding is an
essential part in the life and ministry of the Church. It is the
responsibility of all of us to ensure our parishes and institutions are safe
places, especially for those who are vulnerable. Abuse and harm have no
place in our diocese. There is zero tolerance to abuse, harm and any
behaviour that falls short of appropriate safeguarding practices as expressed
in National Policies.
Jesus welcomed
children and blessed them. We are told that Jesus was indignant when
anyone tried to keep the children away “let the little children come to me and
do not stop them. It is to such as these that the Kingdom of God
belongs.” (Mark 10: 14).
Jesus makes clear his view about those who seek to harm the vulnerable, “anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. Anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith in me would be better drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18: 5-6) Jesus’ stark words point to the horror and seriousness of abuse. Abuse is evil. It is destructive.
Everyone in our
diocese is called to ensure that all diocesan institutions, parishes, clergy,
employees and volunteers take appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment
and put into practice Christ’s ministry towards children, young people, and
vulnerable adults. Our diocese is committed to accompany and
support all victims/survivors of abuse.
We seek to learn
from them and their representatives about best safeguarding practice.’
Bishop Declan Lang 11/2023
The Diocesan
safeguarding team supports the ministry of the Church by providing a
professional and robust support around the protection of children, young people
and adults at risk, to ensure that worshipping communities are safe places
where all have a positive experience of the Church in which they feel loved,
accepted and safe. All issues will be dealt with in a sensitive and
caring manner, in the strictest of confidence. The dedicated safeguarding
team work closely with other agencies including the Police, Probation, Social
Services and comply with the standards that are set by the Catholic
Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA). The CSSA has been set up as a
professional standards body with regulatory powers which exist to regulate all
Catholic Churches.
Our parish safeguarding representatives are
Tim Hughes/Ethna Bourke/Maria Fernandez and can be contacted on
psr.bristol.ourladyoflourdes@cliftondiocese.com or
bristol.ourladyoflourdes@cliftondiocese.com (Parish Office)
Tel: 0117 9498743
The Diocese Safeguarding Office is located at
Alexander House, 160 Pennywell Road, Bristol, BS5 0TX.
Their website www.cliftondiocese.com/safeguarding
has a great deal of information and contact details.
General enquiries: 0117 954 0993
Email: safeguarding@cliftondiocese.com
Safeguarding Coordinator: Janice Pearson
Mobile No: 07887 990 385
Email: Janice.pearson@cliftondiocese.com
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