In a recent discussion, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips emphasized the crucial role faith communities can play in combating abuse. She addressed the All Party Parliamentary Group for Safeguarding in Faith Communities (APPG), highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in religious settings to protect vulnerable individuals.
The APPG serves as a platform for discussions among parliamentarians, faith leaders, abuse survivors, and experts, aiming to find effective strategies for safeguarding within faith-based environments. Over the past two decades, sexual abuse scandals have cast a shadow over religious institutions, notably affecting both the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, while also raising concerns about Muslim rape gangs.
Earlier this year, Phillips faced backlash for not initiating a national inquiry into these gangs, a stance the government has since revised. In her address to the APPG, she stressed that “freedom of religion is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it can never be a shield for abuse or inaction.”
Phillips declared, “I’ve been clear that anyone undertaking relevant activity with children in England will be subject to the new duty to report child sexual abuse. This includes religious instructors, youth workers and volunteers.” Her commitment to improving safety standards across all faith communities was clear as she stated, “We are committed to working with faith communities to raise standards, close loopholes, and ensure that every child – regardless of their faith or background – is safe, heard, and protected.”
Justin Humphreys, the joint CEO of the Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight and an adviser to the APPG, welcomed Phillips’ engagement, noting the importance of the proposed Mandatory Reporting duty. He remarked on the government’s readiness to collaborate further with faith communities, saying, “Jess reassured the group that the government is open to continued collaboration and is committed to working directly with the APPG. We look forward to working with her in the future.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
