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Safeguarding in the Catholic Church in Scotland
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland wish to ensure that there is transparency in the arrangements for Safeguarding in Catholic parishes and organisations throughout Scotland. In 2011 the Bishops established the McLellan Commission to review Safeguarding practice in the Catholic Church in Scotland. Its report was published in 2015, at which time we published our own plan for implementing its recommendations. This plan led to the publication of IN GOD’S IMAGE as an ‘Instruction’ from the Bishops of Scotland, directing the approach to Safeguarding which must be followed in every Catholic Diocese in Scotland, with effect from 21st May 2018.
IN GOD’S IMAGE version 2 (IGIv2) has emerged from a 9-month period of consultation, reflection and discussion. It makes reference to key statements made by Pope Francis and to instructions and norms published by the Holy See in recent years. It comes into effect on 8th September 2021. The text of IGIv2 will be available to be ONLINE on this website from 19th August 2021.
For more information about the Church’s Safeguarding approach, visit the website of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service.
Supporting Survivors
“Survivors of abuse of any form deserve the greatest care and respect. Their courage in coming forward to disclose their experience to personnel within the Church can never be underestimated. So, Church personnel must take care to provide an immediacy of response (as well as sensitive care) to anyone who wishes to talk about the harm they have suffered.” (Bishops of Scotland, In God’s Image, page 34)
https://www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk/website
During this period, observations on this text can be sent to the General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland,
64 Aitken Street, Airdrie, Lanarkshire ML6 6LT. Email: GenSec@bcos.org.uk
https://ingodsimage.bcos.org.uk/
SCOTTISH CATHOLIC SAFEGUARDING SERVICE
274 Bath Street GLASGOW G2 4JR Telephone: 0141 332 7177 Information Line Tel: 0141 353 1177
Please click on link below to view our Diocesan Safeguarding Team
https://www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk/who-we-are
Policy Statement by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
The Catholic Church in Scotland is concerned with the lives, safety, wholeness and wellbeing of each individual person within God’s purpose for everyone. It seeks to safeguard the welfare of children and young people who are involved in whatever capacity with the Church and its organisations. As a Church community, we accept that it is the responsibility of all of us, ordained, professed, paid and voluntary members to work together to prevent the physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults