In busy seasons like Easter, it’s easy to focus on the practicalities; services, music, hospitality, and managing the flow of people. But alongside all of this sits a quieter responsibility. Safeguarding isn’t separate from welcome; it’s part of what makes welcome real.

This blog reflects on themes raised in Martin Sewell’s recent commentary, published on Surviving Church, about the experience of victim-survivors and the institutional response to persistent or ongoing safeguarding concerns within the Church of England. His reflections raise difficult and necessary questions about accountability, whistleblowing, and safeguarding culture. The reflections that follow draw on my own experience and build on earlier posts on Guarding the Flock.

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