This year Rochester Cathedral will again be holding a ‘Safeguarding Season’ during which special attention will be paid to the safeguarding an wellbeing of all with whom we have to do, but especially remembering and showing solidarity for all who are victims and survivors of abuse within and outside Christian Churches.

 In 2021 Rochester Cathedral was the first in the UK to host a LOUDFence - an installation whereby members of the public can tie ribbons and messages of commitment to and solidarity for victims and survivors of abuse, and having also done it in 2022 we are doing it again from 3 -27 November.  In the last two years the LOUDFence movement has expanded into Europe, endorsed particularly and specifically by the Roman Catholic Church, and Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches are united in this cause.

 Antonia Sobocki, founder of LOUDfence UK said about her visit to the LOUDFence in Rochester:

 "the LOUDfence asks you to show courage and compassion. Courage not to look away when you see another's injuries and the compassion to comfort and accompany the wounded. Please be part of this collective symbol of hope at Rochester Cathedral by making your voice and your compassion visible.

It is so good that Rochester Cathedral have again decided to host a LOUDFence, as they were the first cathedral to do so, and their ongoing support means so much to victims and survivors of abuse.”

 The Rev’d Canon Dr Gordon Giles, Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral said,

 “Safeguarding is of paramount importance at Rochester Cathedral, and having a Safeguarding Season is our way of focussing on children and vulnerable adults and expressing support for all affected by abuse of any kind. We are delighted that every year the LOUDFence is a key part of that expression of support, in which anyone can join in.”

 The Safeguarding Season runs throughout November and all are welcome to tie ribbons on the railings outside the cathedral.