Anyone seeing this might have also noticed in recent news the conviction for former Bishop Anthony Pierce of multiple indecent assaults of a child. As a former Bishop of Swansea and Brecon this is something that might be of concern for any of us, Bishop John has been swift to put out a letter that can be shared among us all. The two point from it that I would highlight here are these:
There is an energetic and effective strategy across the Diocese to ensure that safeguarding measures are in place within and around our churches. However much training we all do, though, the most important thing is to be aware, to be sensitive to anyone who might be at risk, and to work towards our wider communities being safe. It is certainly not good thinking that 'this could not happen here', because it could, and it has.
Secondly there may be people in our communities who have received blessing, holy communion, or confirmation from Anthony Pierce when he was Bishop, who now worry about the validity of that sacrament. The absolute truth is that us priests are all flawed in some way, but we are only the messengers. The blessing itself, the sacrament, in whatever form, is direct from God, and that is what counts.
If anyone would like to see the full letter from Bishop John let me know. Meanwhile let us all pray for all victims of abuse, of every kind, and that every one of God's children, from the oldest to the youngest, may flourish. Keep us ever watchful, that we may build a holy fellowship. Amen
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