Birmingham Cathedral initiative to see ribbons, messages displayed for abuse survivors

An initiative, known as LOUDfence, is being hosted by Birmingham Cathedral, with the support of various partners, including survivor-led charity Survivors Voices.

Ribbons, messages and prayers will be displayed along Colmore Row next week (3 – 9 October), as a sign of visible solidarity with survivors of abuse.

LOUDfence represents the voices of those who support survivors of abuse and for those dealing with the consequences for themselves and others.

As well as ribbons and messages along the railings on the edge of Cathedral Square, a smaller display within the main entrance of the cathedral will also be placed. Anyone is invited to add a ribbon, message, or prayer to either of these displays.

Ribbons and note cards will be available from the entrance of Birmingham Cathedral from Monday 3 October onwards, or can be requested by local businesses for their staff or customers to take and use during the week.

If you can’t be present physically, you can still request that a ribbon, message and / or prayer be added to the LOUDfence on your behalf. A member of the Birmingham Cathedral team will then add these to the physical LOUDfence during the week. Ribbons and messages can be submitted completely anonymously via the Birmingham Cathedral website.

Additional pastoral support will be available at all times when the cathedral is open throughout the LOUDfence week. Trained members of the Birmingham Cathedral safeguarding team will be on hand for anyone wishing to discuss any issues.

What the organisers said

The Dean of Birmingham, The Very Reverend Matt Thompson, said: “We are inviting anyone who wants to show their support to come and attach a ribbon or message onto the LOUDfence, and to take a few moments to pause, reflect and pray if they wish. LOUDfence also gives us a chance to reflect on the times the Church has failed the victims of abuse, to say sorry, and to commit ourselves to doing our utmost to being a place which is safe for all people.”

Antonia Sobocki, LOUDfence UK Project Manager said: “LOUDfence is a visible display of support, solidarity and compassion for those affected by abuse. The ribbons tied to each fence represent the voices of those who wish to send a message of support to those who have been injured and traumatised in the church or any other setting. LOUDfence sends a collective message: ‘You matter, what happened to you matters and we, the Christian community, care very much’”

Other activities

LOUDfence will be taking place alongside other opportunities to explore how abuse survivors can be fully supported by the church and wider society during the week.

On Thursday 6 October, there will be a day of seminars at Birmingham Cathedral, led by Theologian Professor Gillian T. W. Ahlgren. In the evening, Professor Ahlgren will be giving a free lecture on public social theology, taking place in the cathedral as well as being Livestreamed on the Birmingham Cathedral YouTube channel. The lecture will be exploring recovery, growth and how people can live out their Christian faith in a world surrounded by trauma.

All are welcome to sign up if they wish to attend the lecture in person. People will also be welcome to submit questions virtually during the event. Any questions can also be submitted in advance by emailing [email protected]

On Sunday 9 October, Birmingham Cathedral will be marking Safeguarding Sunday, in which the church is challenged to reflect on it’s safeguarding culture and practices, and to commit to continue being a place and people of safety.

More information on Birmingham Cathedral’s safeguarding policies can be found on the Birmingham Cathedral website. Any organisation who would like to have a free box of ribbons delivered or would like to find out more can email [email protected].

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