In the Media
Michelle Burns is the founder of Guarding the Flock and a safeguarding practitioner whose work focuses on spiritual abuse, coercive dynamics within church settings, and institutional accountability.
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She has contributed to safeguarding discourse through features and commentary in outlets including Church Times, drawing on lived professional experience within church safeguarding structures.
Her work examines patterns of aggressive mimicry and institutional minimisation of harm, and advocates for survivor-informed, robust safeguarding practice within faith settings.
For media enquiries, interview requests, or commentary get in touch.
Selected Publications & Media Appearances
Channel 4 News — Dec 2025
Contributor and whistleblower to national coverage examining safeguarding concerns, with a focus on institutional accountability and the impact on those affected.
Church Times —
Dec 2025
Referenced in coverage of a tribunal ruling involving an aggrieved curate, examining procedural fairness and safeguarding processes.
Thinking Anglicans — Nov 25
Author of an opinion piece blog addressing institutional responses to safeguarding concerns and the handling of complainants’ accounts.
Contributing to Channel 4 News coverage on safeguarding and accountability, interviewed by Cathy Newman.