Marcus described how theological assumptions sit underneath many safeguarding structures in Catholic and other church contexts. Terms like salvation, healing, and even sin, influence what is seen as harmful, what is forgivable, and what is kept hidden. In survivor testimonies, people spoke in theological terms, even as they described trauma. This gap between belief and experience must be acknowledged if we are to address it.
One example shared in the interview was the idea of clericalism – where priests are placed on pedestals and seen as beyond critique. This separation, Marcus explains, makes it harder for people to raise concerns and contributes to an atmosphere of silence and fear.
"Safeguarding is not just about protection. It's about building a Church where all people are treated with dignity."
The report at the centre of Marcus's research brought together voices from across the Church: survivors, parishioners, safeguarding professionals, and clergy. One focus group included priests meeting for mutual support, reflecting on how trust has been eroded. Marcus described how safeguarding is not just a policy challenge, but a cultural one.
The study identified six key themes:
● Silence and secrecy
One example shared in the interview was the idea of clericalism – where priests are placed on pedestals and seen as beyond critique. This separation, Marcus explains, makes it harder for people to raise concerns and contributes to an atmosphere of silence and fear.
"Safeguarding is not just about protection. It's about building a Church where all people are treated with dignity."
The report at the centre of Marcus's research brought together voices from across the Church: survivors, parishioners, safeguarding professionals, and clergy. One focus group included priests meeting for mutual support, reflecting on how trust has been eroded. Marcus described how safeguarding is not just a policy challenge, but a cultural one.
The study identified six key themes:
● Silence and secrecy
● Clericalism and power
● Bystander effect among parishioners
● Weak accountability structures
● Gaps in leadership and communication
● Confusion between forgiveness and justice
Each of these areas reflects both theological and cultural pressures. For example, silence is often respected in religious life. But when that silence conceals harm, it needs to be questioned.
Marcus also reflected on the impact of national safeguarding reviews. While these can drive change, he argues that lasting transformation comes not from policy but from reflection. The Cross of the Moment report was not written to produce new recommendations – it was created to offer space to question, think and importantly, to listen.
That listening continues through Marcus's involvement in the Global Safeguarding Alliance. With members from countries such as Ghana, Mexico, and Australia, the alliance shares practical and theological insight across cultures. One example is the Loud Fence initiative, where survivors and supporters tie ribbons outside churches as a visual gesture of solidarity.
In comparing global safeguarding capabilities, the Alliance found that countries with public inquiries (such as the UK and Australia) showed higher confidence and awareness. But confidence without depth can be misleading. Marcus calls for thoughtful, context-aware assessments that understand safeguarding maturity beyond compliance.
In closing, Marcus offered a clear challenge to leaders:
● Ask where power sits in your church
That listening continues through Marcus's involvement in the Global Safeguarding Alliance. With members from countries such as Ghana, Mexico, and Australia, the alliance shares practical and theological insight across cultures. One example is the Loud Fence initiative, where survivors and supporters tie ribbons outside churches as a visual gesture of solidarity.
In comparing global safeguarding capabilities, the Alliance found that countries with public inquiries (such as the UK and Australia) showed higher confidence and awareness. But confidence without depth can be misleading. Marcus calls for thoughtful, context-aware assessments that understand safeguarding maturity beyond compliance.
In closing, Marcus offered a clear challenge to leaders:
● Ask where power sits in your church
● Consider how theology shapes relationships
● Make space to hear the voices you may have missed
What you’ll learn by listening to this interview:
● How theology informs real-world safeguarding challenges
● How theology informs real-world safeguarding challenges
● Why silence, culture, and hierarchy matter as much as policy
● How faith leaders can start difficult but necessary conversations
Listen to Interview 2 of Faithful Safeguarding with Professor Marcus Pound wherever you get your podcasts. Or, if you prefer to read, explore the condensed interview version in our magazine series.
