St Katharine's gets Child Friendly Church Award

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24 July 2008

St Katharine’s Blackrod has become the first church in the diocese to be accredited the new Child Friendly Church Award.

“You are not only a flagship parish, but also pioneers in the diocese,” said Diocesan Children’s Officer, Steve Dixon, as he presented the award during a baptism service.

Steve pointed out that a baptism service was the ideal occasion on which to make such a presentation. “It is the Church of England’s understanding that a baptised person is a full member of the Church, whatever their age,” he said, “and as such is of equal importance with any other member.” He remarked on the way that St Katharine’s had made this understanding a reality by involving young people in all aspects of the service, and in the wider life of the church.

To receive the Child Friendly Church Award, a parish must meet a set of criteria relating to provision in child protection, premises, training, leadership, nurture, worship, inclusion, vision and outreach.

The CFCA Scheme originated in Liverpool Diocese and is being taken up by an increasing number of dioceses. It is hoped that people travelling on holiday or moving to a new area will be able to look for a church displaying the logo and know that the Christian community there is following Jesus’ example of valuing children equally with God’s children of all ages.

Full details of the criteria can be found on the Children section of the diocesan website at www.manchester.anglican.org. Twenty further parishes are working towards achieving the CFCA. For more information, contact Steve Dixon on 0161 828 1433 or by email below.

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