By Abigail Chaponda
Anglican Church Archbishop, Dr. Albert Chama has issued a timely call to action, urging the church at all levels to actively safeguard children, women and vulnerable persons and to commit itself to being a truly safe church.
And Central Diocese Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya said that the church must not only preach love and justice, but also embody them through deliberate protection, accountability and compassion.
Speaking at the Anglican Church Provincial workshop towards developing safeguarding polices and procedures, Safe Church conference at Nomads Courts in Chudleigh yesterday, Archbishop Chama said, safeguarding is not about protecting institution, it is about protecting people, adding that when the church protects people, it protects the integrity of its mission.
“The church cannot credibly proclaim the good news while tolerating environments where harm, silence or fear persist. A safe church is not an optional programme, it is an expression of our obedience to Christ and our witness to the world,” he said.
Archbishop Chama, who represents the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa and Lusaka Diocese Bishop said, safeguarding is rooted in the doctrine of Imago Dei of protecting the vulnerable, preventing abuse and responding justly when harm occurs honours God’s image in every person, especially children and those placed at risk by power, poverty, disability or dependence.
“Where abuse occurs, the church is wounded, where silence prevails, mission is compromised and where safeguarding is neglected, the gospel itself is obscured” he said. In addition he said that safeguarding is holy work because it protects the image of God in every person.
And speaking at the same conference, Bishop Chikoya said a safe church, is not simply about procedure and polices, but about discipleship.
“As we engage in this workshop, let us ask God for courage to speak truth where silence caused harm, wisdom to act justly and responsibly, humility to listen, learn and change, and the grace to ensure that our churches reflect the love of Christ for all,” said Bishop Chikoya.
