Pearl Luxon appointed to new joint Anglican-Methodist post

The Revd Pearl Luxon has been appointed to the joint post ofSafeguarding Adviser for the Methodist Church and the Church ofEngland. She will take up the post in September 2006 on theretirement of Mrs Janet Hind as National Child Protection Adviserfor the Church of England.

It is the first national joint post created by the two Churchessince the historic Anglican-Methodist Covenant was signed inNovember 2003. 'Creating this post allows the two churches to speakwith one voice,' says Pearl. 'It shows the seriousness with whichboth Churches take child protection.' She will liase withgovernment, police, probation service and charities to ensure thatthe churches are up to date with legislation and best practice inprotecting children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Pearl, a Methodist minister and experienced Probation Officer, iscurrently Head of Safeguarding for the Methodist Church as well asrunning the Churches' Agency for Safeguarding (a joint venturebetween a number of Churches for processing Criminal Records Bureaudisclosures). The appointment will coincide with the CAS becomingindependent of the Methodist Church and appointing a new ChiefExecutive. Both Churches will continue their own arrangements forCRB disclosures and will retain their own safeguarding policies andchurch specific procedures.

The Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Revd Anthony Priddis, the Church ofEngland's liaison bishop for Child Protection, welcomed theinitiative as 'a practical outworking of the Anglican-MethodistCovenant. I am delighted that Mrs Luxon will be fulfilling thisnew, joint role.'