Safeguarding of minors and Vulnerable adults is an integral part of the Mission of the Catholic Church. In line with this, the Episcopal Conference of Malawi(ECM) has today Launched the Child and Vulnerable adults Safeguarding Policy.
Speaking during the Launch, the ECM President, His Grace Archbishop George Desmond Tambala said the policy is an indication of ECM’s commitment to protection of Children and vulnerable adults from abuse.
“The ECM believes that children, young people, and vulnerable adults are a gift from God with an intrinsic right to dignity of life, respect, and security from physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological harm; and we resolutely consider the welfare of the child, young person, and vulnerable adult as paramount in all decisions and actions. We will take every reasonable step to ensure that children, young, people, and vulnerable adults are protected. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately”. Said Archbishop Tambala
He also indicated that the Church will not protect anyone involved in any sort of abuse of Children and vulnerable adults and that reporting procedures have been properly indicated in the policy in order for such cases to be dealt with accordingly
“As ECM, we have a zero-tolerance for abuse of any form. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults are safe, respected, protected, and supported whilst in our care. We commit to a culture of safeguarding where leaders at all levels in the Church put safeguarding first and where the best interests of children are always paramount”. He said
The policy therefore, is a guiding tool for the Church on safeguarding issues and all Churches and Catholic institutions like Schools, hospitals and organisations will use it to keep children and vulnerable adults safe.
The Church defines a Child as anyone below the age of 18. The launch has been funded by Porticus