CREATING A CULTURE OF SAFEGUARDING

UISG-USG Safeguarding Workshop / Fraterna Domus, 6-10 November

On 6th November 2023, 133 members of 90 religious congregations gathered at Fraterna Domus north of Rome for a one-week workshop on Safeguarding. There were 78 female religious from 51 congregations and 55 male religious from 39 congregations. This important gathering of religious with responsibility for safeguarding was organized by the Care and Safeguarding Commission of the Unions of Superiors General (UISG / USG) in Rome.

Participants at the workshop on Safeguarding listened to presentations which were informative, profound, and challenging. There was an atmosphere of deep trust, openness and sharing which helped to create an environment wherein participants could reflect, ask questions, and engage in rich sharing at tables.

A crucial point in the workshop was listening to the testimony of two survivors of abuse. The pain and life-changing effects of abuse were evident in their what they shared with us. As policies and protocols for prevention and protection are formulated, what participants heard must impact how a culture of safeguarding should be created and lived as a Gospel culture.

The workshop was experienced as a synodal journey, with participants and presenters taking time to reflect together on each day's input. Members of UISG and USG are committed to providing a culture of safeguarding and to model this Gospel culture in their respective congregations and ministries.