Embrace Faith and Community

Our Safe Church Initiative

St Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Parish (“the Church”) is committed to ensuring that every aspect of Church life is a place of genuine safety, care, and respect for all people, particularly children, young people, and other vulnerable persons who participate in Church activities and programmes.

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This commitment is grounded in the Orthodox Christian understanding of the sacredness of the human person, created in the image of God, and the call of the Church to love, protect, and defend the vulnerable. Upholding the dignity, integrity, and wellbeing of every person entrusted to our care is central to our witness to Christ.

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In fulfilling this commitment, the Church actively seeks to prevent abuse, respond appropriately to concerns, and meet all moral, pastoral, and legal responsibilities by:

• Developing, implementing, and regularly reviewing Safe Church frameworks, including policies, procedures, and training programmes.

• Complying with relevant child protection legislation.

• Providing appropriate induction, training, and ongoing education for clergy, employees, and volunteers regarding Church expectations and legal obligations.

• Implementing robust screening processes to reduce the risk of unsuitable individuals being placed in positions of trust.

• Responding promptly to concerns and reporting all suspected abuse allegations to the Police and relevant authorities in accordance with Church procedures and the law.​

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The Church’s commitment to the safety and welfare of vulnerable people is absolute. There is no circumstance in which the reporting of suspected abuse, whether physical, sexual, emotional, or otherwise, should be discouraged, delayed, or prevented.

Raise a Safe Church Concern

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If you witness or become aware of a concern or incident, including inappropriate behaviour, please report it promptly via email - SafeChurchOffice@straphael.org.au 

Reports are treated confidentially and reviewed by the Safe Church Office.

You do not need proof to raise a concern.

Speaking up early helps protect children, vulnerable people, and our Church community.