Camden New Journal - Letters: Child abuse a threat to trust of our youth

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Camden New Journal - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 10 May 2007

Child abuse a threat to trust of our youth

• WE are disgusted at the two recent cases reported in the press about a vicar and employee of the Church of England abusing children.
We are also appalled at the failure of higher church authorities to take robust action to stop further abuse and report the crimes to the police.
As those responsible for our local Church of St Martin’s, Gospel Oak, we want to disassociate ourselves from these vile, criminal and negligent acts which have occurred elsewhere in the C of E.
Being providers of youth work with young children and teenagers for the last 12 years at St Martin’s and being partners with other community youth providers and schools in Gospel Oak, we know that public trust is important and that a good reputation for providing safe and competent youth work takes years to build.
That can be easily undermined by public perception that criminal acts elsewhere in the
C of E leaves the whole institution’s credibility damaged.
It is not our job to speak for the whole
C of E, but what we can say is that not only are child protection issues taken seriously and reviewed annually at St Martin’s, but that safe and transparent working with young people has been, is and shall continue to be our policy.
The old saying that “for evil men to prevail only requires good people to say silent” holds true.
Half the problem with child abuse is the silent complicity of others who should know better, which is why we feel it is important to write this letter publicly and distance ourselves from the crimes and negligence that has gone on.
JOHN HAYWARD
Vicar of St Martin’s Gospel Oak
LINDA PUGH Churchwarden
CHRISTINE DAWSON Churchwarden
MARGARET LOONEY Children’s Advocate
VALERIE PACKER Criminal Records Bureau Checker
Gospel Oak, NW5

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@camdennewjournal.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Tuesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

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