Service of Reflection for All Involved in Safeguarding

On Monday 16th February, Manchester Cathedral hosted a Service of Reflection for all involved in Safeguarding. Those gathered in person and watching online were invited to pause, listen, lament, and give thanks for all who work tirelessly to ensure that our churches and communities are safer places for all.

This annual gathering is an important opportunity to honour the commitment of those serving in safeguarding roles and to remember victims and survivors of abuse. Bishop Mark opened with words of gratitude for our safeguarding team and parish safeguarding officers. He expressed our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and our prayerful support for survivors, victims, and all who accompany them. 

We were honoured to be joined by Jonathan, Criminal Justice Services Director at We Are Survivors, a Greater Manchester organisation supporting male survivors. He offered thanks to those working and volunteering in safeguarding in all contexts and read the poem Wherever You Are by Maya Stein – a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to survivors’ voices and creating spaces where they can be heard.

Bishop Matthew preached, offering thanks to every person across the diocese involved in safeguarding, expressing gratitude for their dedication in their vital roles. He also offered words of sorrow and repentance for the times when the Church has failed those who needed protection, and for occasions when its leaders have not been attentive enough to safeguarding. His message called the whole Church to deeper listening, stronger vigilance, and a renewed commitment to compassion and justice. 

We are grateful to Manchester Cathedral for hosting this important service and pleased to confirm that dates for the next two years have already been set:

Monday, 8 February 2027
Monday, 28 February 2028

Each service will continue to take place on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, offering a reflective moment ahead of Lent.