Keeping people safe is a shared responsibility
The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle is committed to ensuring that all people who participate in our worship, programs, and ministries have a safe and rewarding experience.
All Bishops, clergy and church officers, and church workers across Newcastle Anglican are committed to ensuring the safety of all people and share an emotional and legal responsibility to promote a healthy church culture.
Anglicans are committed to working together to ensure that the policies and practices we put in place are consistent with the Gospel, comply with NSW Law, and comply with the Canons of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia and the Ordinances of the Diocese.
God has commanded us to love one another. Ensuring a person’s safety is an expression of that love.
Informed by the NSW Child Safe Standards
The Royal Commission recommended 10 child safe standards, drawing on its findings and extensive research and consultation about what makes organisations child safe.
The NSW Government has established a framework with core components to help organisations implement each standard. These have been a significant resource to Newcastle Anglican.
The standards are explained in the Guide to the Child Safe Standards which assists organisations working with children to create, maintain and improve their child safe practices.
What if people are harmed at a church activity in the Diocese of Newcastle?
We are profoundly sorry that people were harmed when they were participating in church activities and that we were then slow to respond to their express concerns.
We encourage anyone in immediate danger to contact 000. Everyone who has been subjected to crime should contact NSW Police on 1800 333 000.
Lifeline provides a 24-hour–7-day-per-week phone counselling service on 13 11 14.
Our Director of Professional Standards can be contacted on 1800 774 945.
The Diocese is actively involved in providing redress and support for survivors of child sexual abuse within Newcastle Anglican. You can find more details here.
Keeping people safe
The overarching parish safety policy and its key components can be accessed here.
The Safe Ministry Policy of the Diocese of Newcastle is guided by NSW Legislation, the General Synod Safe Ministry to Children Canon, the General Synod Safe Ministry Guidance, Diocesan Council Ordinance, and the Professional Standards Ordinance.