Safeguarding Children in the Church of England: A Theological Understanding of Child Abuse and Safeguarding through a Child-Attentive Lens

Abstract

In this thesis in contextual theology, I seek a deeper theological understanding of the phenomenon of child abuse and safeguarding within the context of the Church of England in the early 21st century. My research developed within three strands: a discourse analysis of the Church’s safeguarding policies; focus groups with children and young people; and a review of Child-Attentive Theologies. I bring these strands together in mutually-critical dialogue to address three theological questions: a) Who is the child whom we are seeking to safeguard? b) What is the nature of the abuse from which we are safeguarding children? c) What is the nature and role of the Church in safeguarding children? My analysis of the safeguarding policies identified a gulf between the theology and praxis of safeguarding in the Church of England. I identified a positive but limited theological anthropology based on each person being made in the image of God and therefore having inherent value and dignity. Children are portrayed primarily as innocent and vulnerable: passive recipients of harm or care. The policies are limited in both their theological and sociological understanding of child abuse and in their portrayal of the impact of abuse. There is a striking absence of any reference to abuse as sin or evil. The policies portray the Church as an institution and as a worshipping and witnessing community, but do not express the more mystical aspects of the Church as the Body of Christ. The safeguarding literature of the Church of England is very adult-focused, with a notable absence of the child’s voice in any of the policies, guidance and theological reflections. In contrast to this, the young people who participated in this research brought unique insights into the ways in which their churches can create welcoming, participatory and respectful environments within which children and young people can not only be safe but also feel safe. In reviewing how children have been portrayed in Christian theology, I identified much of value, along with significant limitations in the approaches of Child Theology and Child Liberation Theology. I argue for a broadening of approach under the umbrella of ‘Child-Attentive Theologies’, embracing a wider biblical portrayal of children and families and reflecting Jesus’ incarnation, his childhood, and all his interactions with children. In bringing together the three strands of this research, I have identified a richer theological understanding of the nature of the child as both being and becoming a beloved child of God, of the nature and impact of abuse as both sin and evil, and of the nature and role of the Church as both an institution and as the mystical Body of Christ. This is a reaffirmation of both scripture and tradition in the life of the Church, expressed with particular reference to children in today’s society. By reaffirming this theology and making it central to its approach to safeguarding, the CofE could bridge the current gap between theology and praxis, integrate safeguarding more strongly with the totality of the Church’s ministry with children and young people, and do so in a more holistic, respectful and participatory way.

Date of Award	29 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	RMS UnKnown (Co Supervisor) & Ian Duffield (Main Supervisor)