The World Executive Council (WExCo) embraces with deep commitment the Holy Father’s call to create safer environments for the People of God. As members of the Church, united as one body in Christ, we share the responsibility to protect and uphold the dignity of every person. Standing Order No. 16 (SO16) is a concrete expression of this shared commitment to human dignity.
SO16 is a safeguarding policy developed by WExCo in 2019 to protect minors and vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse. Now, five years later, a comprehensive review and update are essential to address today’s realities and to incorporate the latest directives from the Holy See. This revision is critical to ensure the policy remains aligned with evolving challenges, including expanded definitions of abuse, the integration of proactive prevention measures, and the cultivation of a genuine culture of safeguarding within our Church.
To lead this important work, the CVX Global Safeguarding Committee has been established. This committee is responsible for reviewing, updating, and revising Standing Order No. 16, and is composed of representatives from the various regions where CVX is present: Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. The committee held its inaugural meeting on Saturday, August 23.
