1.0 Introduction to Module 1
Content note
This module discusses abuse, exploitation, coercion, and institutional failure. If you find any part distressing, pause, take a break, and seek appropriate support. If you have personal experience of safeguarding harm, professional counselling support is strongly recommended.
Module purpose
This module forms your safeguarding conscience and your clergy standard of care. It is not primarily about procedures. It is about the moral and spiritual posture without which procedures become theatre.
Safeguarding is part of shepherding. It is the refusal to let the vulnerable be treated as collateral damage. It is the refusal to let reputation become an idol. It is the decision that the Church will not be a place where evil can hide comfortably.
Learning outcomes
By the end of Module 1, you should be able to:
- Explain why safeguarding is a Gospel-weighted duty and not an “optional extra”.
- Describe the unique power dynamics of clergy ministry and why that power requires higher discipline, not looser standards.
- Identify the most common “good intention” failures that lead to harm being enabled, hidden, minimised, or mishandled.
- State a clear clergy standard of care for safeguarding: what a safe minister does consistently, especially under pressure.
- Commit to a protection-first, truth-telling posture that remains lawful, accountable, and pastorally serious across jurisdictions.
You will return to these outcomes throughout the course. If your understanding changes as you progress, that is a sign of growth.
