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On 20 May, the Church in England and Wales will observe the annual Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse. The Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the impact of abuse on individuals, their families and friends, and the communities of which they are part. The theme this year is “The Empty Chair.” Many of us are saddened when we look around our churches and note that once-familiar faces are missing. People leave church communities for a wide variety of reasons, but our thoughts are on those who are not there because they have suffered abuse in a church setting and cannot face being there.
They may be the families or friends of survivors. They may be former members of a community affected by allegations or convictions for abuse. They may be people who are simply so disgusted or ashamed by what they have heard about abuse within the Church that they no longer want to be part of it. All these groups and others are represented by “The Empty Chair.” At this time, especially:
We pray for survivors of abuse.
May they find people who will listen to the accounts of their experiences with love and compassion. Through this listening may they find healing and hope.
We pray for those involved in Safeguarding in the Diocese, the police, teachers, medical staff and all those who may be the first point of contact for someone wanting to tell their story but afraid or not knowing where to begin.
May they recognise the moment and the opportunity they have to help someone take the first step on their journey towards hope.
We pray for counsellors, spiritual directors, clergy – and all who will walk alongside a victim on their road towards survivor.
May their listening be attentive and healing, and may they draw the strength and encouragement they need to accompany those who have suffered deeply.
We pray for those of us who have suffered abuse but feel that we have put it behind us, for those of us who suspect abuse but do not know what to do about it, for those supporting survivors in our family or friends and for all those doing quiet work to bring healing to those who have been hurt.
May we trust that we are all called to this work of healing whether through our prayer and our listening.
The Diocese is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church:
Ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are kept safe and know they are loved is at the very core of the Church’s ministry. The work of safeguarding has to be seen within the overall mission of the Church. As she seeks to protect the vulnerable and weak, the Church needs to ‘act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God’.(Micah 6:8). It is a ministry of love and healing and seeks justice for all.
Safe Spaces is a free, national support service independently run by First Light. It provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. You can find out more - or contact them - via their website or using the button below.
