The Cycle of Prayer for survivors of sexual abuse, Tuesday 20th May 2025
It is Eastertide and Christ is risen, but there are so many who have not yet seen Him or have had the joy of the Risen Christ taken from them by the abuse and harm done to them. When this has been done by clergy or other members of the Church we continue to apologize and to offer what we can to bring recovery and life back to victims and survivors. When it has been done by others, outside the Church, and in so many settings, we try to make the Church a place and a community of Faith and life where genuine and lasting recovery can be made.
Prayer is important but not always enough: action is needed too. May our way of life come closer to the life of Jesus so that those who have suffered sexual abuse, violence or any inappropriate behaviour within the Church or in society at large, can find a way that enables them to recover and live life with new reasons for joy.
May those guilty of abusing others, especially in the Church, be brought to justice.
+ Rt Rev Paul Swarbrick
Bishop of Lancaster
