Safeguarding Sunday is on 16 November. It’s crucial for Christian parents to get involved - Thirtyone:eight explain why

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As parents, when it comes to placing our children in a nursery or school, we want reassurance that these will be safe places for our children. We get that reassurance because these places are regulated and have strict safeguards in place. But are we as vigilant about safety in other places our children attend, like church? Churches welcome all kinds of people; it is impossible to know them all well, which is why safeguarding should be taken just as seriously in church as it is in school. 

What is Safeguarding Sunday and why does It matter?

Safeguarding Sunday is a national awareness campaign run by Thirtyone:eight. It’s a day set aside for churches to focus on creating safe spaces for everyone. It’s a movement that reminds us of our shared responsibility to look after each other, celebrate those who keep us safe, and renew our commitment to protecting those in our care.

Safeguarding Sunday is a practical way for our churches to live out these gospel values, showing the love of Christ in action

This year, the theme is ‘Action Speaks Louder’, encouraging churches to move beyond just talking about safeguarding, to empowering everyone to take positive action towards creating safer places.

A biblical foundation

At the heart of the Christian faith is the call to love our neighbours as ourselves and to protect the most vulnerable among us. Jesus welcomed children, stood up for the marginalised, and challenged his followers to be shepherds who care for their flock. Safeguarding Sunday is a practical way for our churches to live out these gospel values, showing the love of Christ in action.

 

Read more:

How Christian parents can teach their children about personal safety 

5 ways Christian parents can prevent their children from being groomed

 

The benefits of taking part

When churches engage in Safeguarding Sunday, the whole community benefits. Here’s how:

  • Trust and Transparency: Openly addressing safeguarding shows the church is committed to honesty and care.
  • Protecting the Vulnerable: Highlighting safeguarding helps ensure that children and adults at risk are valued and kept safe.
  • Encouraging Volunteers: Celebrating those who serve in safeguarding roles boosts morale and reminds everyone of their vital contribution. Usually, this results in more people being willing to volunteer.
  • Bringing Healing and Hope: For those who have experienced harm, seeing the church take safeguarding seriously can be a step towards trust and restoration.

Ultimately, Safeguarding Sunday can strengthen relationships within the church, build confidence and help everyone feel they belong.

Reassurance for church leaders

Understandably, some church leaders may worry about adding another event to the calendar or about focusing on safeguarding in case it makes people uncomfortable. If that sounds like your church leader, you may be able to reassure them with these responses to some common concerns:

  • “Our calendar is already full” - Safeguarding Sunday is designed to be flexible. It can be a short slot in a service, a prayer, or even a mention in the notices. It doesn’t have to take over the whole service, and it doesn’t have to be done on 16th November.
  • “People might react negatively” - Addressing safeguarding openly reassures parents, carers and church members that the church takes their loved ones’ safety seriously.
  • “It’s hard to preach on safeguarding” - Safeguarding connects deeply with biblical themes—love, protection, justice, and mercy. There are many simple, gospel-centred ways to weave safeguarding into a sermon or children’s talk. Thirtyone:eight provide a wide variety of resources to help with this.
  • “We’re not sure how to approach it” - Churches don’t have to start from scratch. Resources, ideas, and templates are available from the Safeguarding Sunday website, making taking part simple.

Practical ways to get involved

There are many ways your church can take part in Safeguarding Sunday:

  • Dedicate a few minutes during a service to thank and pray for the safeguarding volunteers.
  • Share this short video or tell a story that highlights the importance of keeping everyone safe.
  • Pray as a congregation for those who have been harmed.
  • Preach on the biblical foundations of safeguarding.
  • Invite your children’s or youth groups to take part through crafts, prayers, or readings.

All of these options are flexible—you can do as much or as little as suits your church. Resources and support are available online to help with planning and ideas.

Join the movement

As Christian parents, you play a vital role in encouraging your church to put safeguarding at the heart of its life together. Speak to your church leaders about Safeguarding Sunday. Your voice matters, and your advocacy can help ensure the church remains a safe place for all.

Safeguarding Sunday isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a chance to show the love of Christ in practical ways, bring hope and healing to those who need it, and build a stronger, safer church community together.

Find out more at safeguardingsunday.org

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