Our Shared Commitment to Child Safety

You may have noticed new posters in the spaces where our children and youth gather, including the Cathedral, Parish Hall, RJ Room and Kids Church rooms.

They are our Statement of Commitment to Child Safety.

The Statement begins with a simple but important truth: all people are made in the image of God and loved by him. That includes every child and young person in our church. Children are not an interruption to church life nor merely the responsibility of parents and leaders. They are part of our church family, precious to God, and entrusted to our care.

Because of this, St John’s is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children.

The posters name three simple commitments. We will listen to children. We will treat them with respect. And we will identify risks early to prevent harm.

A poster, of course, does not make children safe by itself. But visible commitments matter. They remind children, parents, carers, leaders, volunteers and all of us what kind of church we are seeking to be.

We want child safety to be normal at St John’s. Not hidden away in a policy folder. Not only discussed in training sessions. Not only carried by Kids Church or City Youth leaders. We want it to be part of the way we love one another as the body of Christ.

That means children and young people should know they are valued and taken seriously. Parents and carers should know that we are committed to Safe Ministry. Volunteers should know they are supported in wise and careful practices. And every member should know that safety is something we share together.

This is not because we are suspicious of one another. It is because love is not vague. Christian love pays attention. It protects the vulnerable. It takes responsibility. It speaks up when something does not seem right.

So, when you see these posters, please take a moment to read them. Let them remind you to welcome children warmly, treat them with honour, support our Safe Ministry practices, and help make St John’s a place where children and young people are safe, respected and heard.

And if you ever have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, please speak with a pastor or with our Safe Ministry Representative, Julia Kim.

We want our church to be a place where children are not only present, but known, valued, protected and loved. Thank you all for playing your part in these commitments.

David Ould
Senior Associate Minister