A Theological Understanding of Child Abuse and
Safeguarding through a Child-Attentive Lens
In this thesis in contextual theology, I seek a deeper theological understanding of the phenomenon of child abuse and safeguarding within the context of the Church of England in the early 21st century. The full thesis will be made available shortly.
My research developed within three strands:
A Discourse Analysis of the Church’s Safeguarding Policies
- Identified a gulf between the theology and praxis of safeguarding
- A positive but limited understanding of each child being made in the image of God and therefore having inherent value and dignity
- A limited theological and sociological understanding of child abuse and its impact
- Recognising the Church as an institution and a worshipping community, but missing the centrality of the Church in relation to God.
Focus Groups with Children and Young People
- Participants brought unique insights into how churches can help children and young people be safe and feel safe
- Young people want to feel welcome and able to join in
- They want to be respected and included
- They want a safe and secure environment built on trust
A Review of Child-Attentive Theologies
- Identified a richer theological understanding of:
- The child as both being and becoming a beloved child of God
- Abuse as both evil and sinful: profoundly destructive and robbing children of fullness of life
- The Church as both an institution and the mystical body of Christ
I bring these strands together in mutually-critical dialogue to
address three theological questions:
a) Who is the child whom we are seeking to safeguard?
b) What is the nature of the abuse from which we are safeguarding children?
c) What is the nature and role of the Church in safeguarding children?
By making this theology central to its approach to safeguarding, the Church could bridge the current gap between theology and praxis, integrate safeguarding more strongly with the totality of the Church’s ministry with children and young people, and do so in a more holistic, respectful and participatory way.