A message from Bishop Philip Egan:

“Did you not realise that you were God’s temple and that the Spirit of God was living in you? If anybody should destroy the temple of God, God will destroy him, because the temple of God is sacred and you are that temple” (1 Cor 3: 16-17).

“As a Diocese, we are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the church. Safeguarding is a leadership priority and a responsibility that must rest with us all. Through our ministry, we seek to embed a culture where all those within our parishes and church communities are safe from harm and abuse.

As a Registered Affiliate of the CSSA, our safeguarding practices align with the eight national Safeguarding Standards, the national policies and associated best practice guidance for the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Our affiliation with the CSSA is one way in which we demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding and to being transparent with those within our Diocese and to the wider public.

Supported by our safeguarding team, we ensure that all concerns of a safeguarding nature are responded to promptly. Our approach is one of zero tolerance; where an allegation of abuse is made against those working in the name of the church, regardless of whether the allegation relates to their behaviour in their role within the Church or another setting, we will report this to the statutory authorities. This includes allegations where the identified perpetrator is deceased.

We will liaise openly with the relevant statutory authorities to support investigations. We seek to respond sensitively and compassionately to those in need, listening and learning from the voices of victims and survivors.”

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