Emmaus Partnership
The Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle has announced that it is privileged to be hosting with the CofE Diocese of Newcastle a LOUDfence at St Marys’ Cathedral and at Newcastle Cathedral. It will begin at the 11.30am Sunday Mass on the 3rd March at St Mary’s Cathedral and end with a Service of the Word at Newcastle Cathedral on Wednesday 6th March at 7.00pm.
Bishop Mark Wroe and other supporters will take part in the service link for Newcastle Cathedral LOUDfence and ‘Jagged Edges’ – Survivors’ Display – Newcastle Cathedral. Everyone is welcome to these liturgies and to visit both Cathedrals during the days to offer their prayers and support for all who have suffered abuse within the Church and within any context.
People will be invited to leave prayers and messages together with items such as the prayer ribbons presented to Bishop Stephen at his Installation Mass that are still tied to his Bishop’s Chair. People can leave items within or outside of the Cathedrals, if they would rather not enter a place of worship. There will be people available for pastoral accompaniment if that is requested.
If you would rather, request a virtual ribbon, and a member of the Diocesan safeguarding team will put a ribbon and/or message on your behalf. Please click on the button opposite to leave details of your request.
The intention is to pray for all who have suffered abuse and recognise our shared duty to safeguard the vulnerable.
What is LOUDfence?
LOUDfence, a survivor-led initiative, which gives a voice to all those who have experienced abuse within a faith-based setting or have been affected by it, although it is open to everyone. LOUDfence provides an opportunity for reflection on the times the Church and wider society has failed victims/survivors of abuse and to say we are truly sorry. It enables us to commit ourselves to doing our utmost to being a place which is safe for all people.
LOUDfence is a process which aids gradual culture transformation through celebrating the virtues we hold valuable. LOUDfence raises awareness in the community and in institutions, it challenges the silence and shame which surrounds the issue of abuse. LOUDfence seeks to support the survivor and validate their worth by celebrating the act of speaking out and truth telling.
What happens at a LOUDfence event?
A LOUDfence event involves tying brightly coloured (LOUD) ribbons and messages of support in public spaces to show support to ALL victims and survivors of abuse. LOUDfence has now spread to other organisations, leading to events being held across the UK including those most recently held in Plymouth, Northampton and Birmingham and in Lourdes and Paris in France.
A little more background on LOUDfence
LOUDfence originated in Australia as a protest and solidarity movement in 2015, whilst here in the UK it has become a survivor support and reconciliation movement, led by Antonia Sobocki in Cumbria in 2020.
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