BISHOP’S SAFEGUARDING COMMITMENT STATEMENT
The Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga and its agencies are committed to the safety, care, and dignity of all people as an integral part of our mission.
This commitment is rooted in Catholic social teaching and our obligation to promote the common good and respect the human dignity of all. We extend this commitment to all members of our community, including clergy, employees, and volunteers, regardless of their role or level of responsibility.
Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to be a light to the world and to be shining examples of virtue, integrity, and holiness. We pledge to create a safe, nurturing, and empowering culture for everyone in our care, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
To achieve this, we will:
- Empower all individuals to have a voice and to raise concerns;
- Implement rigorous risk management and employment practices;
- Uphold the safety and dignity of every person and ensure they can grow, develop and engage in a caring and supportive environment in our Church;
- Proactively identify and prevent all forms of abuse, including child abuse, by identifying and removing or reducing risks early on;
- Involve families, caregivers, and relevant communities in decision-making processes;
- Continuously review and improve our systems and practices to protect people from abuse;
- Not accept any forms of abuse, discrimination, and harassment; including a no-tolerance approach to the abuse of children;
- Report any suspected abuse promptly to the appropriate authorities; and
- Ensure that all persons who have or may have contact with children, young people, and people-at-risk acknowledge their responsibility to safeguard these vulnerable groups.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus taught that whoever welcomes a child in his name welcomes him, and those who harm the innocent will face severe consequences. We take these teachings to heart and commit to safeguarding with utmost seriousness and diligence.
Bishop Mark Edwards OMI
Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga