Time for Action

Here, churches are invited to recognize the ways in which their institutional life has silenced the abused and protected the abusers. The book makes suggestions for the pastoral care of those who have been sexually abused, the training and screening of clergy and the rehabilitation of paedophiles. Since the 1990s the Churches have made huge strides in ensuring the safety of children and vulnerable adults in their congregations, Sunday schools and clubs. Sound codes of practice have been adopted and ministers and lay workers trained in following them out. Sadly, a large number of survivors of sexual abuse have been left nursing their deep pain and anger. Churches Together in Britain and Ireland have responded by setting up a group to explore these issues and to make recommendations. In "Time to Act", the Churches are called upon to recognize the ways in which their institutional life has silenced the abused and protected the abusers. The book makes suggestions for the pastoral care of those who have been sexually abused, the training and screening of clergy and the rehabilitation of paedophiles in ways that continue to protect children and vulnerable adults. It also presents the record of the meetings of the group and the background to their recommendations to the Churches. If the Churches recognize that it is the time to act on the recommendations of the Group on Sexual Abuse then a new day will dawn for many people who have experienced great sadness and yet have somehow held on to hope.