To Heal and Not to Hurt
A Fresh Approach to Safeguarding in Church
Since the Jimmy Savile revelations of 2012 churches in England, with other social institutions, have found themselves all but overwhelmed by a flood of safeguarding concerns and allegations. This is an urgent area of concern, about which there is much fear, anxiety and confusion. To Heal and Not to Hurt examines the deep institutional roots within the Church of abusive attitudes that have caused harm. It includes narrative examples of people who have suffered abuse from within the Church and in the response of the Church, and provides a calm, reasoned and practical basis on which to shape a more adequate and sustainable response in future.
Rosie Harper is the vicar of Great Missenden, UK. Alan Wilson is Bishop of Buckingham, and a leading voice in favour or same-sex marriage.