- 24 July, 2025
Hyderabad, July 23, 2025: In a landmark step towards safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals, the Archdiocese of Hyderabad officially launched its Child Protection Policy on 23 July 2025. The policy was promulgated by His Eminence Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, in the presence of clergy, religious leaders, and pastoral workers from across the Archdiocese.
“The Church is called to be a sanctuary of safety and compassion. Protecting our children is not just an institutional obligation but a sacred mission entrusted to us by Christ Himself,” Cardinal Anthony said during the official launch.
The newly released policy underscores the Archdiocese’s deep pastoral commitment to fostering safe, nurturing, and accountable environments across all its parishes, educational institutions, and ministries. Rooted in the Church’s moral and spiritual responsibility, the policy sets clear standards for prevention, accountability, and response in cases of abuse or misconduct.
Key Provisions of the Policy:
Mandatory Training: All clergy, religious, lay staff, and volunteers will participate in structured training and sensitisation programmes.
Rigorous Background Screening: Individuals working directly with minors will undergo thorough background verification.
Clear Prevention and Response Protocols: Standardised procedures will guide the identification, prevention, and redressal of abuse or misconduct.
Safe Conduct Guidelines: Rules such as the two-adult policy and the requirement for parental consent for activities involving minors will be strictly enforced.
Transparent Reporting Mechanisms: Confidential and accountable systems will be in place, aligned with both Church directives and national civil laws.
The policy builds on the Archdiocese’s ongoing 'Safer Spaces' initiative and is aligned with the universal Church’s safeguarding framework as well as Indian child protection standards. Its implementation will be phased across parishes, schools, and institutions, with dedicated pastoral support and training facilitated by the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Commission.
Calling for collective commitment, Cardinal Anthony emphasised, “This policy will only bear fruit when every member of our community—clergy, religious, laity, parents, educators, and youth leaders—becomes a vigilant guardian of our children’s dignity and safety.”
The launch marks a significant step in the Archdiocese’s ongoing journey of creating a culture of protection, healing, and trust within the Church.
By Manisha Sharon
Diocesan Youth Secretary
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