'In God's Image' has been published by the Bishops' Conference of Scotland as an "Instruction on Safeguarding for implementation in all Catholic canonical jurisdictions in Scotland and by all other groups and organisations in Scotland subject to a legitimate canonical authority of the Catholic Church". It is intended to explain and to direct the approach to Safeguarding that is to be practised at every level of the Catholic Church in Scotland. '
On 19th March 2018 the Bishops of Scotland unanimously committed to the new Safeguarding standards set out in the policy document IN GOD'S IMAGE. It was published as an "Instruction on Safeguarding for implementation in all Catholic canonical jurisdictions in Scotland and by all other groups and organisations in Scotland subject to a legitimate canonical authority of the Catholic Church." It was originally published “ad experimentum” for a period of three years to give time for its contents to be reviewed in the light of experience and evolving guidance.
IN GOD'S IMAGE version 2 (IGIv2) has emerged from a 9-month period of consultation, reflection and discussion among many who have direct experience and expertise in the front line of the Church’s safeguarding practice. Significantly, this experience includes responding to the hurt and anguish of those who have suffered abuse at the hands of clergy, religious and others working within the Catholic Church.
IGIv2 makes reference to key statements made by Pope Francis and to instructions and norms published by the Holy See in recent years. It also takes into account evolving changes to the PVG scheme in Scotland. The work of the Independent Review Group and recommendations from independent audits of safeguarding in Scottish dioceses have also had a bearing on this revised version.
The final text of IGIv2 was ratified unanimously by the Bishops of Scotland at an online meeting held on Tuesday 6th July 2021. It came into effect on 8th September 2021, the feast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- Click here for Safeguarding Matters May 2023 leaflet
- Click here for video from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland on the new manual In God's Image V2
- Decree Promulgation of the instruction on Safeguarding "In God's Image"
Resources to Download