“Creating a culture of protection”. This is the title of the international workshop, promoted by the two Unions of Superiors General (USG-UISG), on which 132 participants from 90 religious congregations and representatives of 39 different nationalities will discuss. The event will be held at the “Fraterna Domus” community in Sacrofano, on the outskirts of Rome, from 6 to 10 November 2023 and will have as its central objective the creation of a culture of protection within religious congregations. This is an unprecedented opportunity for religious leaders and conservation officers from around the world to learn, share experiences, and collaborate to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all members of religious congregations and the people they serve, especially minors and adults in vulnerable situations.
Five key points
Five key points will be the focus of the workshop: provide comprehensive training on steps to create a culture of protection through protection and prevention; provide detailed information on the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults, including religious members and young people in formation; give voice to survivors, enabling them to share their stories; deepen knowledge on abuse prevention practices, including training, recruitment and policy implementation; explore ways to respond to problems, including handling allegations, the role of civil and canon law, caring for people affected by abuse and communicating effectively with others.
Subject matter experts
Internationally renowned experts in the field of protection and prevention of abuse will facilitate the meeting, including Brother Brendan Geary, Sister Maria Rosaura Gonzalez Casas, Father Tim Brennan, Tina Campbell, and Sister Tiziana Merletti. “Abuse situations are a serious problem that we must address, and this workshop represents an opportunity to learn how to create safe environments for the members of our congregations and the people we serve,” says Brother Emili Turú, secretary general of the USG, co-organiser of this event. Mary John Kudiyiruppil, the undersecretary of the UISG, says: “We are delighted to see that so many people from all over the world have decided to join us in this important event”.
