Safeguarding in the Diocese
Welcome to the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles safeguarding pages. Our diocese is committed to keeping everyone safe, especially the young and vulnerable adults. We also accompany survivors and victims of abuse. This Safeguarding Section explains how we strive to achieve these aims.
Safeguarding Policy Statement
“The Catholic Church in Scotland is concerned with the lives, safety, wholeness and well-being of each individual person within God’s purpose for everyone. It seeks to safeguard the welfare of people of all ages who are involved in whatever capacity with the Church and its organisations. As a Church community, we accept that it is the responsibility of all of us, ordained, professed, paid and voluntary members, to work together to prevent physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults.”
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
In the Diocese we follow In God’s Image v2 the Instruction on Safeguarding for the Catholic Church in Scotland. There are the standards and procedures that are given by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland and the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency.
Our Safeguarding Culture
- Everyone in the Catholic Church in Scotland – especially those in positions of leadership and responsibility – values the lives, wholeness, safety and well-being of each individual person within God’s purpose for everyone.
- We seek to uphold the highest safeguarding standards in our relationships with people of all ages who are involved with the Church and its organisations.
- As a Church community, we accept that it is the responsibility of all of us – ordained, professed, employed and volunteer lay people – to work together to uphold these safeguarding standards that have been designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse or harm.
A Message from Bishop Brian McGee
Dear sisters and brothers,
The call to love is central to Christianity. We cannot love God unless we also love one another. Love, for it to be genuine, necessarily means that we care, cherish, protect and help others blossom. This is especially true for the most vulnerable among us. Therefore, for Christians, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is natural.
I welcome you to our Safeguarding pages and as you browse through them, I hope that you will be encouraged to see how diligently Argyll and the Isles accepts its vocation to care for all, especially the most vulnerable.
To report a concern or allegation please contact:
Liz Chaplin – Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
07938 253133
Bishop Brian McGee – Bishop of Argyll & the Isles
01631 561683
Or, if a child or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk, the Police on 101 or 999
Safeguarding Prayer
Lord Jesus we praise you for calling us to the service of others.
We pray for a generosity of spirit to ensure the vulnerable are protected.
We pray for a compassionate heart so that we will reach
out to those who are wounded by abuse.
We pray for courage and determination as we seek the
safety of everyone in our parish communities.
We dedicate ourselves to this work of service and pray that
you will help us to do your will at all times and in all places.
Amen.