Following strong criticisms of the Church of England’s record of handling abuse and safeguarding, there is a review underway in the hope that we will learn from the past and protect other people in the future.

As part of this, the Diocese of Guildford is asking victims and survivors of church-related abuse if they would be willing to come forward and speak about what has happened.

Support is available

The Diocese recognises that coming forward may be extremely difficult and dedicated support has been set up to help people in doing so. Two confidential listening services have been set up for those people who have experienced church-related abuse but who might want to talk through their experiences and feelings before taking any next step. To find out more about the support available click here.

Coming forward

Anybody who would like to give information or make disclosures about church-related abuse is asked to contact Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Jackie Broadfoot (jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk  07918 559387).

Making churches as safe as they can be

Bishop Andrew, diocesan bishop for the Diocese of Guildford, said: “It is important we do everything we can to make our churches the safest places they can be. Safe means different things to different people but this review will help us to ensure that the concerns reported to our churches have been dealt with properly, and the care taken and the support given is of the high quality that people rightly deserve.  We have learnt from a previous review that that survivors and victims’ voices are critical, and I would urge you to come forward.”