We are eagerly anticipating the privilege of gathering for convention this year, and we know the care and respect we show one another—and to the owners of the convention grounds—will enhance our time together.

While the focus remains on the restoration of our soul, we also recognise that for some in our fellowship, convention has posed challenges, particularly for those affected by child sexual abuse or harm.

In line with the processes introduced last year, we will continue to adopt measures to ensure that convention is a safer and more secure space for everyone involved.

Preparations and Conventions

• We are grateful for all who assisted with preparations last year and look forward to your help again this year.

• Please inform your elder or the worker coordinating the convention if you plan to attend for a day, a meeting, or the entire convention. As before, your name will be recorded on arrival and departure. This process may vary for each convention.

• As last year, any individual with a conviction, or allegation that has not been fully investigated, regarding sexual abuse or harm to children is not permitted to attend preparations or conventions. This is to give precedence to child safety and survivors at convention and reducing the risk of a child or young person being harmed.

• We remind everyone of the potential hazards associated with preparations, and children or young people attending must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

• Children are welcome at conventions, with their safety being the primary responsibility of parents or designated responsible adults.

• If you wish to bring guests from outside the fellowship, particularly for evening Gospel meetings, please check with the coordinating workers for approval in advance. Guests on convention grounds should be accompanied at all times.

• Parents are encouraged to educate school-aged and older children about appropriate behaviour and ensure they know where to seek help if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. We will continue to have Safe Contacts available for responding to any concerns.

• Children and young people are encouraged to stay with friends or siblings when not accompanied by parents or a responsible adult, checking in regularly with an adult.

• Job allocations will continue to accommodate parental commitments as much as possible. For children under 12, we recommend that one parent always be available for child supervision.

• We will endeavour to meet any specific accommodation requests. We advise minimising the time children spend alone in tents and recommend against leaving children to sleep alone for extended periods, especially during meetings.

If you need additional support, please reach out to the workers coordinating each convention or a trusted friend who can assist. If you have concerns about attending, don't hesitate to contact your elder or one of the workers to explore alternate arrangements.

Feedback

Your feedback has been invaluable in improving the safety of our children and young people at conventions. We continue to welcome further feedback, which can be submitted through suggestion boxes at convention or via email at conv.feedback@gmail.com. Feedback from children is also welcomed and encouraged.

We trust these measures, which build upon last year’s processes, will create a safe and spiritually enriching environment for everyone. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conventions.

Malcolm Clapham, Graeme Dalton, Tim Hamilton, Trevor Joll, Dalton McGuinness, Alan Mitchell and Stephen Thorpe.