As a constituent part of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, we at the Priory and Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality (CACS) recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children and adults at risk.
“The human person is of such magnificent beauty and marvellous capacity”
St Teresa of Avila
We recognise every individual as a gift from God, and we value and encourage their safe participation in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development.
Statement on safeguarding
At CACS we are committed to creating sacred and safe spaces where that lived capacity is awakened, nurtured and protected. We are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being. For us, safeguarding is a core part of our mission to always be a safe and sacred community. Carmelite spirituality is founded on a deep thirst for spiritual intimacy and friendship, recognising the divine indwelling in every single person. Because of this, we see every encounter as a kind of theophany — a manifestation of God that must be respected and safeguarded. The dignity and sacredness of each person is paramount. For us, safeguarding work takes many dimensions. It is not just a policy on a shelf or a box-ticking exercise. Instead, we are committed to promoting a genuine spirituality of care. As an international community of friars, laity, experts and volunteers, this work is challenging and demanding. But it is a journey we are committed to. A journey towards creating a sacred and safe place for spiritual growth, formation and wholeness for everyone.
Fr Alexander Ezechukwu, OCD
Director of CACS; Chair of Safeguarding Committee
16 November 2025
Watch our safeguarding video
Safeguarding at the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality
Made for Our Last Safeguarding Sunday.
This video describes the place and importance of safeguarding at the Centre.
Every friar, spiritual director, SDFP student, Sacred Encounter Ministry volunteer and directee ministering or studying with CACS works to a given safeguarding standard. Log in to find the handbook that covers you and the country you minister in.
Access requires login details, with a signup to CACS Safeguarding Updates.
We take every report of harassment, sexual misconduct or a safeguarding concern seriously. Choose how you would like to report — the form opens here on this page.
How to reportClose
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 first.
We take every report of harassment, sexual misconduct or a safeguarding concern seriously. Choose how you would like to report — the form opens here on this page.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 first.
CACS Safeguarding Team — safe@cacs.org.uk · 07300 319055 · Kate Keefe, Fr Liam Finnerty OCD, Fr Clement Obiorah OCD
