“An important stage in the development of best practice in working with children and young people in our parish communities”: that’s how Dr. Seàn Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, described the presentation of certificates to the first group of child protection trainers 19 in all, representing 9 dioceses at a ceremony held in Maynooth, on 4 December. By introducing child protection trainers “the Church is demonstrating its commitment to children and to ensuring their safety and well-being. This training, which you have undertaken Brady told the first group will assist the dioceses in implementing, in a practical way, the guidelines as outlined in the new document Our Children: our Church. This document is to be launched before the end of December. I am confident that the training which you have received and which you will, in turn, deliver, will help to enhance the children’s experience of their Church”. “As a Church he added we are determined to learn from the past, no matter how painful that learning may prove. And one thing we have learned, very clearly, is to value and properly esteem the dignity of every child. For every child is made in the image and likeness of God. Every child has a right to be listened to, nurtured and protected in a safe and loving way. Every child is precious in the sight of God”. The activity of the Irish Church in the field of the protection of children continues. A further 25 child protection trainees are currently taking part in the second course promoted in partnership with the Volunteer Development Agency of Northern Ireland.
