In 2018 the Church of England was facing 3000 child sexual abuse cases. How did things go so wrong?

Psalm 91 was selected for Safeguarding Sunday because it exemplifies how scripture can be misused in situations of abuse: By perpetrators to defend themselves and to cast doubt on their accusers, which in turn may stir self-doubt within survivors.
The most famous misuse of Psalm 91 was by the devil in the wilderness in Matthew 4. He was sadly not the last!
Throughout history, unscrupulous individuals have used their spiritual gifts and authority for self-aggrandisement, betraying relationships of trust and causing widespread harm.
This Sunday, we will affirm our commitment to make our church as safe as possible, by recognising the need to guard against all forms of abuse, to defend the innocent, and to be faithful to our safeguarding responsibilities.