In the event of any incident involving verbal abuse, threats or actual violence to a priest, deacon or a member of their household, they should contact their Area Dean or Archdeacon immediately; they will provide immediate practical and pastoral assistance.
The Diocese of London is committed to providing a safe working environment for clergy and accredited lay workers and to equipping them to minister safely. The Diocese has established a Clergy Safety Group, chaired by the Archdeacon of Hampstead.
Clergy and accredited lay workers should take all possible steps to ensure the personal safety of themselves and their families in relation to their houses and church office and vestries.
Basic precautions include:
Some useful information is available to download here:
| Title | MS Word | Adobe |
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| Bishop's letter sent to all clergy appointed in London |
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| Clergy Safety Guidelines |
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| Clergy Safety Incident Report Form |
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| 'Knocking At Heaven's Door' Full Report |
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| 'Knocking At Heaven's Door' Discussion Booklet |
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| Managing Disruption, Violence and Aggression at Work |
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| Clergy Safety Group Members and Terms of Reference |
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Other resources include www.nationalchurchwatch.com and www.ecclesiastical.co.uk which offers Guidance Notes on Health and Safety.
Useful books include:
'Places of Worship Security Manual', Nick Tolson (coordinator of National Churchwatch), Berkswell Publishing
'Affirmation and Accountability - Practical suggestions for preventing clergy stress, sickness and ill health retirement', the Society of Mary and Martha, email 
'Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy', Wilcox H, Church House Publishing, 2003
'The Security of Single Clergy - A Cause for Concern', Revd Canon Christine Dyer. Copies available by emailing
