The Church must be a place where all are welcomed with compassion
On Safeguarding Sunday, Archbishop John calls for all to be welcomed with compassion
For Safeguarding Sunday, Archbishop John Wilson has issued a Pastoral Letter to be read and made available at all Masses on the weekend of 17/18 May 2025.
In his letter, Archbishop John drew on the Gospel and the words of the Lord Jesus: “a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you”. The Archbishop said “love is not a mere sentiment, but an action” and that on Safeguarding Sunday we “are reminded that one of the clearest and most necessary ways we live out this love is by ensuring the protection, dignity, and wellbeing of the most vulnerable amongst us.”
Calling on the Church to be a place where all are welcomed, Archbishop John said:
“The Church, entrusted with proclaiming the Good News, must be a place where the vulnerable are safe; where the wounded are heard, and where all are welcomed with compassion. The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is not a peripheral issue. It is central to our faithfulness as disciples of the Lord Jesus. It is a sacred responsibility — and one that I, as your Archbishop, carry with deep humility and vigilance.”
The Archbishop also highlighted the Archdiocese’s commitment to safeguarding. He said the:
“safeguarding structures are grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Clergy and Parish Safeguarding Representatives work with our central safeguarding team — a group of dedicated and experienced professionals who ensure safer recruitment, manage concerns, and support survivors with care and discretion”.
Reminding us that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, Archbishop John said:
“Safeguarding is not the work of a few. It is a shared responsibility for us all. Each of us — clergy, volunteers, parents, parishioners — is called to remain vigilant and informed, and committed to the well-being of every member of our community”.
You can find out more about Safeguarding Sunday at rcaos.org.uk/safeguardingsunday25.
