Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10 : 24 - 25
Readings this week Daniel 12 : 1 - 3; Hebrews 10 : 11 – 14, 19 - 25; Mark 13 : 1 -- 8
Thought for this week
Several days ago Bishop Graham wrote: ‘I have been utterly appalled by the contents of the Makin Review into the crimes of John Smyth and the response of those who knew about them.’ I have read much of the review and one very clear view is reiterated time and again : Safeguarding is the responsibility of us all.
So many people had the opportunity to report the John Smyth to the relevant authorities - some failed to do so at all; others did something but failed to ensure that action was taken.
Our New Testament reading urges us—the people of God, to live in the light and expose the darkness. Any knowledge we have of dark deeds that are abusing people must come into the light—be exposed.
Safeguarding is my responsibility. It is your responsibility. Much progress has been made in the Church of England in recent years to improve our safeguarding practice but we still have a long way to go. Please pray for our diocesan safeguarding team as well as our Parish Safeguarding Officer. And more importantly, hold in your prayers those who have suffered this appalling abuse and for whom this Review will have evoked painful memories.
Prayer for this week
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son was revealed to destroy the works of the devil and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life: grant that we, having this hope, may purify ourselves even as he is pure; that when he shall appear in power and great glory we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Heavenly Lord, you long for the world’s salvation: stir us from apathy, restrain us from excess and revive in us new hope that all creation will one day be healed in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
People to pray for
All those involved in Safeguarding
Our own Safeguarding Officer and Safeguarding team at the Diocese
Those who have suffered from abuse of various kinds