Listening To Children
In Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Following the teaching of Jesus, listening to our children (regardless of their age, background or abilities) and helping them participate in our Church is something we actively value and live out.
Empowering children and young people to be active, vocal and confident participants in organisations is essential if those organisations are to become genuinely ‘child safe’. It is critical that organisations invest in seeking and understanding children’s views about safety, and who they trust to communicate key messages to them.
“it’s completely different to what you think.” – Robert Fitzgerald, Former Commissioner with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Policies are important, leadership is key, but if the children and young people in your organisation aren’t enabled to speak up, challenge and contribute, then adults continue to speak to adults about issues that affect children, their safety and wellbeing.
Visit the Resources page and scroll down to the Posters – For Children & Youth Ministries section for posters for children that can be displayed in the Church, so that children know we listen, care and act in relation to what they tell us.