From 19–24 January 2026, a training programme on the protection of children and vulnerable adults was organised for all members of the Small Formation Group (SFG) at St Anne’s Community in Jerusalem. The programme was conducted online and facilitated by Fr Stéphane Joulain, M.Afr. It comprised 34 hours of classes, in accordance with the academic requirements of the Salesian Pontifical University – Faculty of Theology – Jerusalem Campus.
The training focused on the Church’s safeguarding mission, emphasizing that a Church in crisis is not a dying Church, but a living one—capable of truth, conversion, and renewal. Participants were invited to reflect on the Church’s responsibility to defend the weak, to preach the Gospel with credibility, and to protect those entrusted to her care. In this light, preaching today necessarily includes protecting and defending the rights of the most vulnerable.
Various forms of abuse—sexual, psychological, spiritual, emotional, and abuse of power—were examined, along with the Church’s obligation to report perpetrators, cooperate with civil authorities, and conduct proper investigations in accordance with the norms of Canon Law. The training stressed the need to care for both the abused and the abuser: offering justice, healing, and accompaniment to victims, while ensuring accountability, clear boundaries, and a path of truth and conversion for offenders.
Special emphasis was placed on clericalism as a root cause that enables abuse and its concealment. Clericalism replaces service with domination and fosters a culture of silence, thereby creating fertile ground for abuse. Fear of not being believed, of causing scandal, or of challenging authority often weighs heavily on victims and on those who sense that something is wrong. Only a Church that consciously renounces clericalism can truly become a safe place and a credible witness to the Gospel.
The programme concluded with an individual oral assessment, followed by the presentation of certificates of participation by Fr Quinbert Kinunda, M.Afr, on behalf of Fr Lowrent Kamwaza, Coordinator for Integrity in Ministry. Fr Stéphane Joulain (lecturer and facilitator) and Fr Lowrent Kamwaza, M.Afr, attended the closing ceremony via Zoom and gave their brief appreciation on the active participation of the participants. Upon receiving their certificates, participants expressed their joy and satisfaction, reaffirming their commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults wherever they are sent.
Safeguarding is our commitment
By: Jean Hans Awazi, M.Afr.