0.3 Non-negotiables (the safeguarding posture)
These are not “best ideas”. They are required.
0.3.1 Protection-first, always
When there is credible risk, protection comes first. Delay is a decision, and it carries consequences.
Matthew 18:6 (CPDV)
“But whoever will have led astray one of these little ones who believe in me: it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and to be submerged in the depths of the sea.”
0.3.2 Truthfulness and refusal to conceal harm
Safeguarding fails where secrecy is treated as virtue. In this Church, secrecy that shields harm is never holy.
Ephesians 5:11–13 (CPDV)
“And so, have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead, refute them.
For the things that are done by them in secret are shameful, even to mention.
But all things that are disputed are made manifest by the light. For all that is made manifest is light.”
0.3.3 Safeguarding is part of shepherding, not separate from it
Pastoral authority increases accountability. It does not reduce it.
Acts 20:28 (CPDV)
“Take care of yourselves and of the entire flock, over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops, to rule the Church of God, which he has purchased by his own blood.”
Ezekiel 34:2–4 (CPDV)
“Son of man, prophesy about the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and say to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who were feeding themselves! Should not the flocks be fed by the shepherds?
You consumed the milk, and you covered yourselves with wool, and you killed what was fattened. But my flock you did not feed.
What was weak, you have not strengthened, and what was sick, you have not healed, and what was broken, you have not bound up, and what was cast out, you have not brought back, and what was lost, you have not sought. Instead, you ruled over them with severity and with power.”
0.3.4 Lawful cooperation is a minimum, not a maximum
This course does not replace law. It insists on law as a minimum standard. Where you serve, you must know your lawful reporting duties and follow them.
Romans 13:1–4 (CPDV)
“Let every soul be subject to higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those who have been ordained by God.
And so, whoever resists authority, resists what has been ordained by God. And those who resist are acquiring damnation for themselves.
For leaders are not a source of fear to those who work well, but to those who work evil. So then, do you want to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good, and you shall have praise from them.
For he is a minister of God for you unto good. But if you do what is evil, then be afraid. For he does not carry the sword without reason. For he is a minister of God; an avenger to execute wrath upon whomever does evil.”
0.3.5 Pastoral care is not professional therapy
You must offer compassionate pastoral support. You must also refer appropriately, and you must never pretend that prayer replaces safeguarding action or clinical care.
Sirach 38:1–15 (CPDV)
“Honor the physician because of necessity, and because the Most High created him.
“For all healing is from God, and so he will receive gifts from the King.
The expertise of the physician will lift up his head, and in the sight of great men, he will be praised.
The Most High has created medicine from the earth, and a prudent man will not abhor it.
Was not bitter water made sweet with wood?
The virtue of these things has come to the knowledge of men, and the Most High has given knowledge to men, so that he may be honoured in his wonders.
By these, he will cure and will alleviate pain, and from these, the pharmacist will make a sweet fragrance.
The works of God will not be completed, and from him there is peace over the face of the earth.
My son, in your infirmity, do not neglect yourself, but pray to the Lord, and he will cure you.
Turn away from offence, and direct your hands, and cleanse your heart from all sin.
Offer a sweet-smelling sacrifice, and a memorial of fine flour, and make a fat offering.
And give a place to the physician, for the Lord created him. And do not let him withdraw from you, for his works are necessary.
For there is a time when you may fall into their hands.
For they will beseech the Lord, so that he may direct their treatments, and their cure, for the sake of their way of life.
He who sins in the sight of the One who made him will fall into the hands of the physician.”
