Safeguarding Updates

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

The Catholic Church in Scotland takes Safeguarding very seriously, starting from the grassroots. In our parishes the Parish Priest is primarily responsible but every parish has a lay co-ordinator who works alongside the Parish Priest. Together they strive to ensure that everyone, especially children and vulnerable adults, can safely worship and be ministered to.

As well as maintaining high standards and processes Argyll and the Isles is committed to supporting the survivors and victims of abuse, whether committed by Church personnel or by others. I am acutely aware that those who have suffered abuse have been deeply wounded, as have their family and friends. I want our Church to walk alongside those who suffer and support in any way we can.

During the summer we held a LOUDfence event in Oban, the first in Scotland. Locals and visitors alike read messages of support and many wrote their own messages. For some it was their first step on the road to recovery.

Our priests and some volunteers have received training in trauma which will be further developed through the coming year. The Church has failed, which fills me with shame, but is penitent and, graced by God, now humbly offers friendship and the healing of Christ to those suffering today.

A central Advent theme is hope. May we both welcome and share the hope which comes from knowing that we are unconditionally loved by Jesus Christ.

+Brian McGee

Bishop of Argyll and the Isles