From the 21 – 27 February, over 100 leaders from across the British Union Conference (BUC) will convene at Newbold College for the BUC Safeguarding Summit 2025. This gathering, voted by the BUC Executive Committee on 5 December 2024, serves as a call for accountability and safety within our faith-based community.
Executive Committee members, Administration (Presidents, Executive Secretaries, Treasurers), and Departmental Directors, Sponsors and Co-ordinators from the British Union Conference, South England Conference, North England Conference, Irish Mission, Scottish Mission, and the Welsh Mission have registered for this Summit. Together, they will be uniting in a shared commitment to developing and strengthening safeguarding provisions across the Church.
The Safeguarding Summit is part of a series of strategic initiatives driven by the BUC Administration and Executive Committee to ensure that safeguarding remains a priority within the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Pastor Eglan Brooks, President of the British Union Conference, underscored the significance of the Summit, stating:
“This event is a vital step in our shared commitment to fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and care across our territory. Safeguarding is not just a responsibility—it is a reflection of our values and our faith in action. The attendance of our leaders is crucial in ensuring that our spaces are places of trust, protection, and empowerment for all, especially the most vulnerable.”
The Summit aims to equip leaders with spiritual wherewithal, moral courage, in-depth knowledge, and strategic tools to address the complexities of various forms of abuse within church structures. Through a multidisciplinary approach engaging relevant professionals, discussions will cover critical topics such as:
· Power and Abuse
· Ethical Leadership
· Risk Planning in Safeguarding
This timely event affirms the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s dedication to fostering safer environments. By strengthening leadership capabilities and enhancing awareness, the BUC continues to take proactive steps in making safeguarding a fundamental aspect of church operations.
