Page 5 - LOTN Autumn Issue 48 2021

DIOCESE

recognised that the environmental
cause engaged many people, and that
Christians shared this concern, but the
concern of Christians was even deeper
due to their faith. He told those in
attendance that Laudato Si’ was
appreciated by many even outwith the
Church as a definitive 21st century
statement on the ecological crisis.
Referencing Genesis, Bishop Hugh
recalled that God placed man in a
garden to love and care for it; in a
comparable way, we must hold dear
the gift of creation. Remembering
lessons from his Benedictine life at
Pluscarden Abbey, where the brothers
cherished humble material goods, the
bishop stressed that everything is a
gift from God our Father. The reading
from Colossians 1 spoke of Christ as
the firstborn of all creation: he is in
creation and all things hold together
in him. The beauty and reality of
this vision can inspire the Catholic
commitment to the environment. As Bishop Hugh Gilbert, Canon Peter Barry, Kenneth Sadler (front) and Catholics from the
Pope Francis writes in Laudato Si’, Diocese pray for our common home on the last day of the ecumenical 'Season of Creation'
‘Everything is connected.’
Jill Kent, Chair of Justice and Peace Scotland, read the that surrounds us. In a profound and memorable way, the prayer
intercessions which included calls for the gift of ‘ecological service in preparation for COP26 held in the Aberdeen parish of
conversion’ and for those with authority who will gather for St Francis of Assisi, Mannofield, brought home to those present
COP26 to commit to the ‘bold action’ that our planet and its the importance of care for creation in our journey of faith.
people need in the face of climate breakdown. (An earlier version of this article was posted on the Justice and
Towards the end of the event, the people recited the beautiful Peace Scotland website on 7th October 2021.)
Canticle of St Francis and, together, made a commitment to
respect the earth, one another, and our fellow creatures that live Kenneth Sadler, Coordinator, St Mary’s Cathedral Justice and
on the earth, while being grateful for the beauty and goodness Peace Group

IN GOD'S IMAGE version 2

n 19th March 2018 the Bishops of Scotland Pope Francis and to
unanimously committed to the new Safeguarding instructions and norms
Ostandards set out in the policy document IN published by the Holy
GOD'S IMAGE. It was published as an "Instruction See in recent years. It
on Safeguarding for implementation in all Catholic also takes into account
canonical jurisdictions in Scotland and by all other evolving changes to
groups and organisations in Scotland subject to a the PVG scheme in
legitimate canonical authority of the Catholic Church." It Scotland. The work
was originally published “ad experimentum” for a period of the Independent
of three years to give time for its contents to be reviewed Review Group and
in the light of experience and evolving guidance. recommendations
IN GOD'S IMAGE version 2 (IGIv2) has emerged from from independent
a nine-month period of consultation, reflection and audits of safeguarding
discussion among many who have direct experience and in Scottish dioceses
expertise in the front line of the Church’s safeguarding have also had a
practice. Significantly, this experience includes responding bearing on this revised version.
to the hurt and anguish of those who have suffered abuse The final text of IGIv2 was ratified unanimously by the
at the hands of clergy, religious and others working within Bishops of Scotland at an online meeting held on Tuesday
the Catholic Church. 6th July 2021. It came into effect on 8th September 2021,
IGIv2 makes reference to key statements made by the feast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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