Dear Sister, Dear Brother,
I would like to welcome you to the Safeguarding pages of our Diocesan website.
Safeguarding is an essential part in the life and ministry of the Church. It is the responsibility of us all to ensure our parishes and institutions are safe places for all comers, especially those who are vulnerable. Abuse and harm have no place in our Diocese. The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and I as your Bishop have a zero tolerance to abuse, harm or any behaviour that falls short of appropriate safeguarding practice as expressed in national policies.
Jesus welcomed children and blessed them. We are told that Jesus was indignant when anyone tried to keep the children away, “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them. It is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10: 14) Our mission is to bless people with the presence of Christ and never harm. Jesus makes clear his view about those who seek to harm the vulnerable, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith in me would be better drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18: 5 – 6) Jesus’ very stark words point to the horror and seriousness of abuse. Abuse is evil. It is destructive. It has no place in the Church.
As your Bishop I am committed, with everyone in the Diocese, to ensure that all diocesan institutions, our parishes, clergy, employees, and volunteers will take all appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for all and put into practice Christ’s ministry towards children, young people, and adults who for whatever reason are vulnerable.
Our Diocese is committed to accompany and support all victim/survivors of abuse and we seek to learn from them and their representatives about best safeguarding practice. I am committed to meet and listen to those who have suffered abuse in the Church or elsewhere. I am deeply sorry to all people who have suffered abuse.
The following pages have reference and guidance documents to assist you as well as details of support organisations. Below, in the ‘Contact Us‘ section, you will find the details of the safeguarding team and what to do if you are aware of abusive behaviour or have any other concerns.
With assurances of prayers,
+Stephen
Click here to read or download the Diocesan Commitment to Survivors.
Click here to read or download the Diocesan Policy on Managing Allegations.
Click here to read or download The Isaiah Journey Guide For Survivors.
Click here to read or download the Safeguarding Service Complaints Policy and Procedure.
