Safeguarding Sunday

This week, instead of my usual thought for the week I felt it was important to share with you the letter Archbishop John has written to us on this Sunday, designated as Safeguarding Sunday. Father Anthony.

Together with our entire Archdiocese, I am wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that every parish, ministry, and event is a place of safety, welcome, and care for all — especially for the most vulnerable among us. Safeguarding is not merely a matter of policy; it is a vital expression of our shared Christian calling and mission.

As a community of faith, we are guided by the teachings of the Church to protect and stand alongside those who are most in need. This includes the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults at risk from any form of harm, abuse, or neglect. Each person is made in the image and likeness of God, and each deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. No one should feel unsafe in our parishes, communities, or at any event or activity offered by our Archdiocese.

Safeguarding is central to the credibility and witness of the Church. Our ability to share the love of the Lord Jesus Christ with integrity depends on how we protect, value, and support those who come to us in trust. Any act of abuse is a profound betrayal of that trust and causes deep and enduring pain. Such harm has no place in our Church and stands in direct opposition to the Gospel we proclaim.

Our Archdiocese’s safeguarding policies are rooted in more than compliance — they reflect our desire to build a culture where care, vigilance, and mutual responsibility are part of daily life. We all have a role to play in this. Together, we can make ourArchdiocese a truly safe and welcoming home for every person. Let us remain united in our commitment to safeguarding and in offering support and solidarity to those who have been harmed.

We acknowledge with sorrow the immense suffering caused by abuse within the life of the Church. To all survivors, we extend our heartfelt apologies. Your pain should never have been part of your experience. The Church must be a place of refuge, never a source of harm, and we recognise with humility and shame the failures that have taken place.

We warmly invite any survivor of abuse — whether within the Church or beyond it — to come forward and contact our diocesan safeguarding team. You will be listened to with respect, responded to with compassion, and supported in seeking healing, justice, and a renewed sense of hope.

With an assurance of prayers
Most Reverend John Wilson
Archbishop of Southwark