The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) has begun rolling out its ‘Safe Church’ awareness workshop, starting with its four religious orders. This initiative aligns with the recent Lambeth Conference’s call for all provinces within the Anglican Communion to implement safeguarding programs, ensuring that churches remain safe spaces for worship, fellowship, and service for all.
The Safe Church program is a proactive approach to preventing abuse, exploitation, and misconduct within religious institutions. It establishes policies and procedures to protect vulnerable members, including children, women, and marginalized individuals, while promoting accountability and transparency. The Lambeth Conference emphasized that safeguarding is both a moral and theological responsibility, urging all Anglican provinces to adopt and enforce these measures.
The workshop, which commenced earlier this month, aims to educate members of ACoM’s religious orders on best practices for maintaining a safe environment within their communities. Participants discuss how to recognize signs of abuse, respond to allegations, and promote a culture of respect and dignity. The program also stresses the importance of leadership accountability and proper reporting mechanisms.
Introducing the importance of the program in a session with the Sisters of Melanesia last week, ACoM Mission Secretary Rev. Nelson Bako stated:
“The Safe Church initiative is crucial in preserving the integrity and values of our communities. By implementing these guidelines, ACoM reinforces trust among its members and ensures that churches remain places of spiritual growth, free from harm.”
“This program is not just about rules—it’s about living out our Christian calling to love and protect one another. When our churches are safe, our witness to the Gospel becomes stronger.” He further emphasized.
The Coordinator of the ‘Safe Church’ program in the Oceania region of the Anglican Communion, Sister Provincial of the Community of the Sisters of the Church, Rev. Sr. Veronica Vasethe, highlighted in one of her presentations:
“Safe Church training focuses on preventing abuse, promoting accountability, and fostering a culture of respect and protection within the Church. It aligns with the Gospel’s teachings, Jesus’ model of respect and compassion, and the scriptural challenge against the abuse of power. Addressing violence and abuse is a global concern, and the Anglican Communion recognizes the need for a unified response to protect its congregations and restore trust in the Church.” She further added:
“By actively listening to the experiences of those who have suffered abuse within church settings, the Safe Church initiative seeks to bring about meaningful change, ensuring that all members of the Church community can worship, serve, and grow in a safe and supportive environment.”
In addition to the ‘Safe Church’ program, Mr. Casper Supa, ACoM’s Social and Development Coordinator, also highlighted the church’s Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) policy, which runs parallel to the Safe Church initiative.
As part of its commitment, ACoM strictly prohibits any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, whether online or offline. Casper said.
“ACoM operates in a privileged position of trust and works closely with those who may be in vulnerable situations. As a Church, we must ensure the safety of all persons, particularly those at risk,” he added.
The ‘Safe Church’ program will soon be rolled out across all dioceses and institutions, ensuring that every parish and institution adopts these vital safeguarding measures.
This initiative is significant as it fosters a secure and nurturing environment for all members, aligning with the global Anglican Communion’s mission to uphold justice and dignity within the Church.