Content warning: This post discusses allegations of rape and child sexual abuse. When reporting an allegation of rape, language matters. “Having sex” implies mutuality and consent. It sanitises the alleged actions of the adult and turns a child into a participant in their own alleged abuse.

If Synod leaves believing that the seal of the confessional is the Church's biggest safeguarding problem, it will have missed the central lesson of the last thirty years.

I am deeply grateful for every single one of you and for the encouragement you continue to show.

Serving on a Parochial Church Council (PCC) is more than a voluntary commitment. Trustees carry significant legal responsibilities under charity law, yet many step into their roles without clear training or preparation. This gap can lead to challenges in governance, compliance, and safeguarding the parish’s mission. To address this, the Empowering Trustees session offers practical, focused training tailored to the realities of church and faith-based charity governance.