Why do Christadelphians need to know about safeguarding?
‘By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’
Safeguarding is the action taken to promote the welfare of children and adults at risk and to protect them from harm. Safeguarding is a reflection of the God we worship:
‘For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.’ (Deuteronomy 10:17-18)
‘He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?’ (Micah 6:8)
We live in an imperfect world, and distasteful as it may be, we need to recognise that we are not immune from the results of our sinful nature. Having and following an appropriate Safeguarding Policy will help us to prevent harm, but also guide us in the steps to take should problems arise.
God loves justice and mercy and expects His people to do the same. Jesus told his followers to love God and to love their neighbour. An important way of showing that love is to ensure that members of our community and those we encounter through preaching and outreach are kept safe from all forms of abuse.
There are also legal frameworks and expectations which organisations and charities should follow for example The Care Act 2014; The Children Act 2004; Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023.
Safeguarding is Everybody's Responsibility
As a charity, CSN aim to support the Christadelphian community to safeguard children and adults at risk. We are not naive regarding the safeguarding issues religious organisations have faced in the past. Our responsibility is to do all we can to make our community safe and welcoming for everyone. All members of the community need to be aware of safeguarding and to understand that we each have a responsibility to keep the vulnerable safe and secure.
The Importance of Self-care, Supervision and Prayer
Safeguarding can be a complex, worrying and upsetting subject and we would encourage people to consider how this topic may link to their own experience and history. Accessing the support the CSN offer may help individuals to manage their thoughts and feelings on this issue and we’d encourage people to contact the Prayerline or one of the CSN safeguarding team for support.
Safeguarding Support from the CSN
CSN has a team working to support members of our community to become more confident and proficient in Safeguarding. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help or support with any of the following:
- Advice or support with a safeguarding question or concern
- Templates for policies and risk assessments
- Safeguarding training or updates
- Guidance and information for Ecclesial Leaders, Designated Safeguarding Leads, Sunday School and Youth Leaders and those dealing with adults at risk of harm
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