On 6th November 2023, 133 members of 90 religious orders gathered at Fraterna Domus north of Rome for a one-week conference on Safeguarding. This important gathering of religious with responsibility for safeguarding was organized by the Care and Safeguarding Commission of the Unions of Superiors General of women and men congregations (UISG / USG) in Rome.
Sr Judith Routier fcJ from the FCJ General Leadership team attended this conference. Participants were mostly General Assistants from male and female congregations around the world and so there was a broad width of culture and experience in the group.
The conversations were shared with great honesty and gentleness as difficult topics were discussed. They had the privilege of hearing from two survivors of abuse who generously shared their journey and the impact on their lives. We all have a part to play in ensuring that a culture of safeguarding is nurtured in our church and world.
At the end of the week’s conference a statement was prepared for publishing on the UISG website.
