Dear Friends, 

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I am sure that you will all have seen the news and heard the debates surrounding the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury.  Perhaps you will have also read the pastoral letter issued by the Archbishop of York publicised at the beginning of January.  This is a difficult time for the church and has caused distress and anger not only amongst survivors of abuse outside the church but, those inside as well.

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Here in the parishes, we take Safeguarding very seriously and, we hope that we are genuinely safe, loving and inclusive communities.  However, to ensure that this is the case, we work hard to make sure that all our ministers and church officers, both lay and ordained, are fully trained and are sensitive to the needs of those we come across whose experiences have not been positive. 

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One of our main pillars of faith is love and, for us at the moment, it means supporting and praying for those who are victims and survivors of abuse of all types.  Over the next few months, we will try to  ensure that there is information in our churches about where to receive help and support.   We are also holding a special service on February 9th, 4 p.m. at All Saints Holbrook as part of ‘It’s Not OK Week’.  We hope to create a safe space to reflect and find peace.  There will be no need to tell us why you are there and, there will be the opportunity to pray for those you know who need support.

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In the meantime, we will be holding all victims and survivors in our prayers.

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Blessings

 

Jenny

 

If you have suffered abuse recently or are looking for support for historical abuse, please visit the Diocesan website on Safeguarding support services - Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich for advice and helpline numbers.  Please be assured that we will listen.