The Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, will take place at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday 25 March 2026, the Feast of the Annunciation. Find out more
Safeguarding note
The Season of Safeguarding puts survivors and vulnerable people first.
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact our Safeguarding & Welfare Team at [email protected]
If you would like support but feel that you do not want to speak to anyone at the Cathedral, there is additional support available.
Season of Safeguarding
Sunday 16 – Sunday 23 November
This November, we will be marking our first Season of Safeguarding with a number of events and services to lament, listen and learn from the survivors of abuse, and reflect on failures of the Church of England to keep everyone safe.
These will include: Safeguarding Sunday (16 November), with Rev’d Ravi Holi as preacher; time for discussion over coffee; a designated Chapel as a place of prayer for Victims and Survivors; an opportunity to tie ribbons on the railings outside Cathedral House to create a LOUDfence to show support and solidarity for those affected by abuse; publication of our Victim’s and Survivor’s Charter; and more.
In collaboration with Canterbury Cathedral and the Diocese of Canterbury, this week brings together parishes across the diocese for focused reflection, prayer, and safeguarding activities.
Special events and services
† Live streamed on our YouTube Channel.
Ongoing prayer for safeguarding
Sunday 16 – Sunday 23 November
The Holy Innocents Chapel will be a dedicated place of prayer for Victims and Survivors; where lay and ordained Chaplains will be available to listen from 10 am to 4 pm.
If you would like to make a specific time to talk with someone then please contact [email protected] or turn up on the day and ask at the gate to see a Chaplain.
LOUDfence Installation
Sunday 16 – Sunday 23 November
An opportunity to tie ribbons on the railings outside Cathedral House to create a LOUDfence, to show support and solidarity for those affected by abuse.
The aim of LOUDfence is to give survivors, the entire church and wider society a voice. LOUDfence celebrates the act of openness and truth telling. This provides a direct counter challenge to any culture which seeks to hide in the silence.
Find out more: https://loudfence.com/work.html
Safeguarding Sunday Eucharist †
Sunday 16 November, 11:00 in the Quire
A service dedicated to safeguarding with Rev’d Ravi Holi as preacher; followed by time for discussion over coffee.
Children’s Church at 10:30 will also have a safeguarding focus. Find out more about Children's Church.
Online Webinar
‘What matters to victims and survivors and their relationship with the Church; A personal account and reflection’
Tuesday 18 November, 19:00-20:00 (online)
An online session led by Ioannis (Yannis) Athanasiou, the National Safeguarding Team's Survivor Engagement Lead, exploring survivors' perspectives and how the Church should respond.
Holy Communion for Peace & Justice
Wednesday 19 November in our Lady Undercroft Chapel, Crypt
The regular Wednesday Eucharist will have a special focus on peace and justice during this week.
In the prayers and readings we will be reminded of how we can all play our part to build God’s kingdom based on justice, peace and the well-being of all.
A Service of Lament †
Sunday 23 November, 17:30 in the Quire
A service of lament and hope which provides us all with a space to acknowledge and hold before God in prayer, music and worship our sadness and grief at the harm caused by failures in safeguarding by the Church of England.
Members of the clergy and lay chaplains will be available for you after the service if you would like to speak to someone about your experiences.
There will also be a Said Evening Prayer service at 16:00 in the Crypt.
Find out about events related to Safeguarding happening across the Diocese of Canterbury
How to take part
Everyone is invited to contribute to the Season of Safeguarding, either by attending Cathedral events or running parallel activities in your own parish.
Ideas of how you can participate:
- Create a local prayer space and provide prayer materials.
- Use the Diocesan Prayer Calendar and Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Sunday Resources.
- Hold themed services, a Service of Lament, or a child-safety session (Resources for this will be provided soon).
Additional Support
Safe Spaces
Website: https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/
Helpline: 0300 303 1056 (available Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm; Saturdays 9am to 1pm; Sundays 1pm to 5pm)
The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)
Website: https://napac.org.uk/
Support line: 0808 801 0331 (available Monday to Thursday 10am – 9pm; Friday 10am to 6pm).
Stay in the loop
Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest events, news and offers
By adding my email I confirm my subscription to the newsletter and understand that the email address provided will be held by the Cathedral and the email service company (dotdigital) to use for distributing this newsletter only. For more information please see the Cathedral Privacy Notice.
