27 Feb 2025, 14:05SM CommunicationsBinfield, Bracknell Forest, England, United Kingdom
Scottish Mission Stands for Change at Nationwide Safeguarding Summit
This article highlights the engagement of representatives from the Scottish Mission at the nationwide church safeguarding summit, where vital discussions on abuse prevention, power dynamics, and leadership accountability took place. The summit concluded with a historic commitment from the Seventh-day Adventist Church leadership to implement transformative safeguarding measures, marking a new era of protection and support across the UK church community.
Representatives from the Scottish Mission played a key role at the nationwide church safeguarding summit held from 21-27 February at Newbold College. Trustees, officers, and sponsors joined church leaders from across the UK to engage in critical discussions on safeguarding and commit to meaningful change.
The summit featured twenty-three expert speakers from diverse sectors. Key discussions covered the theology of safeguarding, foundations of abuse, power dynamics, policy reform, ethical leadership, crisis management, risk planning, and fostering a culture of protection in the church. Speakers also addressed biases, safeguarding challenges in faith communities, and the pressing need for accountability.
A powerful message resonated throughout the event: Silence is not neutral – It protects abusers. A proactive approach to safeguarding was outlined through the principles: See it, Hear it, Say it, Stop it and the 4 R’s of safeguarding – Recognise, Respond, Record, Refer.
The summit concluded with a historic moment as the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK, including British Union Conference (BUC) President Pastor Eglan Brooks and all five field presidents, signed a landmark charter. This commitment outlines seven pillars for change: dismantling enabling structures, creating safe spaces, leadership accountability, empowering survivors, educating and training, policy implementation, and transparent communication.
This decisive step marks a new era in the church’s safeguarding approach, ensuring that every church, school, and ministry is a place of safety and support. The Scottish Mission remains fully committed to fostering a trauma-informed church culture where accountability protects people, not power.
For detailed information on our safeguarding procedures and policy, please visit our dedicated Safeguarding webpage.
This article highlights the engagement of representatives from the Scottish Mission at the nationwide church safeguarding summit, where vital discussions on abuse prevention, power dynamics, and leadership accountability took place. The summit concluded with a historic commitment from the Seventh-day Adventist Church leadership to implement transformative safeguarding measures, marking a new era of protection and support across the UK church community.
Representatives from the Scottish Mission played a key role at the nationwide church safeguarding summit held from 21-27 February at Newbold College. Trustees, officers, and sponsors joined church leaders from across the UK to engage in critical discussions on safeguarding and commit to meaningful change.
The summit featured twenty-three expert speakers from diverse sectors. Key discussions covered the theology of safeguarding, foundations of abuse, power dynamics, policy reform, ethical leadership, crisis management, risk planning, and fostering a culture of protection in the church. Speakers also addressed biases, safeguarding challenges in faith communities, and the pressing need for accountability.
A powerful message resonated throughout the event: Silence is not neutral – It protects abusers. A proactive approach to safeguarding was outlined through the principles: See it, Hear it, Say it, Stop it and the 4 R’s of safeguarding – Recognise, Respond, Record, Refer.
The summit concluded with a historic moment as the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK, including British Union Conference (BUC) President Pastor Eglan Brooks and all five field presidents, signed a landmark charter. This commitment outlines seven pillars for change: dismantling enabling structures, creating safe spaces, leadership accountability, empowering survivors, educating and training, policy implementation, and transparent communication.
This decisive step marks a new era in the church’s safeguarding approach, ensuring that every church, school, and ministry is a place of safety and support. The Scottish Mission remains fully committed to fostering a trauma-informed church culture where accountability protects people, not power.
For detailed information on our safeguarding procedures and policy, please visit our dedicated Safeguarding webpage.
