HONG KONG (SE/KKP): The Diocesan Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons Office–St. Goretti’s Centre was officially established to strengthen safeguarding awareness and responsibility within the Diocese of Hong Kong. The initiative calls on all members of the Church to share in the mission of protecting children and vulnerable persons.
Father Dominic Lui, director of the centre, emphasised that safeguarding is not the duty of specialised personnel alone, but a shared responsibility among all members of the Church community. “It is a collective mission to protect the weak—not only children but all vulnerable individuals,” he said.
The blessing ceremony for the new centre was held on September 10, officiated by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., who urged those involved to live out the gospel call to be “the salt of the earth” in their safeguarding efforts. He encouraged all to become “lights of truth, love, and justice” in promoting a safe and caring Church environment.
Those present included members of the diocesan Curia, representatives from diocesan institutions, schools, Caritas, and the Anglican community, united in the shared mission of protection. Following the ceremony, Cardinal Stephen and members of the Curia signed the first batch of self-declaration forms, a commitment that all volunteers working with persons under 18 are also asked to make.
These forms affirm volunteers’ pledge to protect minors and confirm their clean criminal records—a symbolic gesture of the Church’s dedication to safeguarding in alignment with forthcoming Hong Kong legislation.
Proactive Church measures
The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will come into force in January 2026, while the government’s Sexual Conviction Record Check Scheme will extend to all volunteers by the end of this year. Father Lui explained to the Sunday Examiner that the diocese is taking a preventive approach, focusing on comprehensive training and the drafting of specific guidelines for volunteers serving minors.
He said all related volunteers are expected to complete their self-declaration forms by the end of October. Following last year’s formation activities, most parish volunteers and Sunday school catechists now understand the importance of safeguarding measures. “The focus is not on targeting anyone, but on nurturing a shared sense of responsibility to serve,” he said.
The centre offers different training programmes tailored to roles and needs. Clergy and religious are required to attend a full-day course, while adult volunteers must complete a foundational awareness programme of about three hours. Volunteers under 18 will join special courses on values such as kindness, chastity, and respect.
The centre’s scope extends beyond children to include vulnerable adults—the elderly, people with physical or mental disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities. Father Lui noted that education also aims to empower these groups to develop self-protection skills and to help caregivers recognise potential signs of abuse.
The first priority is always to inform victims of their rights and ensure their mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. The Church’s reputation must never take precedence over the dignity and welfare of the victim
Father Lui
Victims’ rights a top priority
Beyond prevention, the centre also handles complaints within the Church, conducting preliminary investigations and liaising with law enforcement and relevant authorities when required.
Father Lui reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to transparency and accountability while maintaining sensitivity and confidentiality.
“Receiving a complaint does not mean it must be made public immediately,” he explained. “The first priority is always to inform victims of their rights and ensure their mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. The Church’s reputation must never take precedence over the dignity and welfare of the victim.”
He added that the Church has a duty not only to the minors it serves but also to their families and the wider community.
Working alongside pastoral sister, Anne Yau, deputy director, Bridget Lee, and legal adviser, Davis Hui, Father Lui said the centre is also supported by a multidisciplinary team.
“Our advisory committee includes professionals from various fields,” he said. “This structure ensures that safeguarding decisions are made collaboratively rather than by a select few.”
Having recently completed studies in child protection at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Father Lui said he was deeply moved by the global Church’s experience of abuse and reform. He hopes to bring these insights to the Diocese of Hong Kong, promoting a culture of care, vigilance, and hope.
