The Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs, Bishop of Huddersfield, has provided a sermon for churches across the country to use as part of this year’s Safeguarding Sunday.
Bishop Jonathan, who is also the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop, has provided the sermon as part of the Church of England’s support for Safeguarding Sunday, taking place on October 10.
All churches are encouraged to use their regular Sunday service to explore together what safer places look like, and to thank all those working behind the scenes to make our churches safer for all.
The ecumenical initiative from specialist safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight provides bespoke resources including films and animations, prayers, preaching notes, children's activity sheets, hymns and songs and a safeguarding pledge.
Bishop Jonathan’s short sermon follows on from when he spoke about Safeguarding Sunday in his General Synod presentation in July.
Bishop Jonathan said: “Whether churches can give just a few minutes or dedicate their whole service, Safeguarding Sunday is a really helpful and important way of focusing on all the work that goes on 365 days a year in our churches to make them safe places.
"From our children’s and young people’s activities to clubs for the elderly and foodbanks, our churches are involved in every community. Protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of the Christian message.
"Safeguarding Sunday is all about creating an opportunity for churches to show their communities that they take this responsibility seriously.”
To find out more about Safeguarding Sunday, including links to Bishop Jonathan’s sermon and more resources, please click here.