Church Safeguarding Failures Continue Raise Urgent Questions
Recent safeguarding scandals involving UK churches have once again exposed serious gaps in how some religious institutions protect children and vulnerable people. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is facing scrutiny after allegations of sexual misconduct and failures to act appropriately, while in England a Vicar in Hatfield has been banned from teaching following safeguarding failings that left children potentially at risk.
These cases highlight a painful truth: positions of trust do not guarantee safe environments, and safeguarding must be active, accountable and consistently enforced - not assumed.
Why It Matters
Churches and faith organisations often play central roles in community life, offering support, belonging, and guidance. When safeguarding breaks down:
Trust fractures, especially for those who rely on religious communities for emotional or social support
Victims feel silenced, particularly where power, hierarchy or fear of stigma prevent disclosures
Vulnerable people become more exposed, especially children, young people, or adults experiencing crisis or loneliness
Safeguarding in faith settings is not only a procedural requirement - it is a moral responsibility.
What This Means for Community Safeguarding
Independent accountability: Faith institutions must ensure safeguarding oversight comes from independent bodies, not internal circles that risk conflicts of interest.
Clear, accessible reporting: Congregations should know exactly how to raise concerns, anonymously if needed, and understand what happens next. Transparency is essential to rebuilding trust.
Training for leaders and volunteers: Everyone in a position of trust - clergy, youth workers, volunteers - must undergo modern safeguarding training, including on:
grooming and coercion
online harms
power imbalance in faith settings
handling disclosures appropriately
Support for survivors: Victims must be met with belief, compassion and professional support - not fear, shame, or institutional self-protection.
Community partnership: Safeguarding cannot sit solely within the church. Working collaboratively with local authorities, charities, community groups, and digital reporting platforms strengthens safety for everyone.
imabi’s View
Safeguarding fails when organisations assume goodwill will protect people. It doesn’t - action, transparency and accountability do.
At imabi, we believe every community space, including places of worship, should be environments where people feel safe and supported.
Our platforms help make this possible by offering:
anonymous reporting, so individuals can speak up without fear
clear safety information, accessible to all ages
education and awareness tools that empower communities to recognise signs of harm
collaborative safeguarding pathways connecting faith leaders with local partners and authorities
Safety in religious settings should never rely on trust alone - it must be proven through consistent, visible safeguarding practice.