The resignation of Justin Welby, in response to failures in safeguarding during his time as Archbishop of Canterbury, signals that responsibility for the safety of individuals extends to the highest authority.
It is also a salutary reminder of the need for constant vigilance in maintaining and improving safeguarding at every level of all institutions. We recognise that no one individual can be responsible for the creation of a safe culture within any organisation. That must be a shared responsibility.
At this painful time, our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with survivors and all whose lives have been permanently impacted by heinous abuse, inadequate responses to disclosures of abuse and institutional failings.
The United Reformed Church deeply values its relationship with the Church of England and is acutely aware of the challenges faced by all institutions in protecting and caring for all those that we seek to serve. We are mindful that this will be a difficult period of transition for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
In this time of upheaval, we are praying for healing and grace for all those affected, especially those who carry the scars of abuse facilitated by institutional failures. We pray that from this moment will grow opportunities for renewal and a safer Church. We pray for wisdom, honesty and diligence now and in the days ahead.
The Revd Dr John P Bradbury, General Secretary
Sharon Barr, Designated Safeguarding Lead
www.urc.org.uk/contact-us/safeguarding-contacts/
Image: FCO, Creative Commons Licence 2.0, cc-by-2.0.