Safeguarding Training Strengthens Safe Church Commitment in Ysabel

More than 180 clergy, lay leaders and theological students in the Diocese of Ysabel have completed safeguarding training as part of the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Safe Church Programme.

Held in early September, the training brought together 43 theological students and spouses at Mano Wadrokal School of Theology and Ministry in Tasia, alongside around 140 clergy and lay representatives attending the Diocese’s 18th Synod in Jejevo.

Led by Rev. Sr. Veronica and Fr. Thompson Tolei, the sessions covered child protection, preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, domestic and gender-based violence awareness, family and youth protection, gender equality, and disaster resilience.

Participants were introduced to key Church policies and encouraged to recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns appropriately. The training emphasised that safeguarding is not simply a matter of policy, but a core Christian responsibility.

As the training materials reminded participants: “Churches must be safe spaces where people, especially children and vulnerable individuals, can worship, learn and live without fear.”

The Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Safe Church Programme aims to ensure that all Church communities are places of safety, dignity and care. By equipping clergy, lay leaders and future ministers with practical skills and knowledge, the Diocese of Ysabel is helping to strengthen protection for children and vulnerable people across its parishes and communities.

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