Faith organisations and safeguarding

Faith communities are deeply woven into society and the lives of people; over a quarter of UK charities have a faith connection, and nearly one-third of people worldwide identify as Christian—giving churches immense potential to model excellence in safe, brave spaces. For many, faith shapes daily rhythms, values, relationships and communities, making it essential that places of worship and their associated activities actively promote safe, brave spaces.

Under UK law, the principle of paramountcy applies, i.e. the welfare of children (and adults) is of paramount importance. Faith organisations must meet the same statutory requirements as schools, charities, and other organisations by ensuring that this principle is prioritised.

Our work is grounded both in this legal framework and in a Christian theology of safeguarding, from the Imago Dei (made in the image of God) found in Genesis 1:26 to Micah 6:8’s call to, “…do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”.   Psalm 121’s depiction of God as our “somereka” (safeguard) (Hebrew) and the Greek concept of “soteria” (the root word of both salvation and safeguarding) remind us that safeguarding and compassion are central to the Christian faith.  The meta-narrative of scripture from Genesis 3 to Revelation is indeed one of restoration, justice and mercy.