UK Parliament Launches Inquiry Into Sunday Schools and Bible Studies: Faith Communities Now Under State Microscope

All Party Parliamentary Group Targets Church Activities for New Safeguarding Rules as Bishop Joanne Grenfell Leads Investigation

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Safeguarding in Faith Communities, chaired by Church of England safeguarding bishop Joanne Grenfell, has launched a formal inquiry into how state regulated activity rules apply to Sunday school, youth groups, Bible studies, and prayer meetings.

The inquiry will examine when enhanced DBS checks should be required for volunteers and church workers, with submissions open to faith leaders, safeguarding officers, volunteers, youth workers, survivors, and organisations. The deadline is July 2026.

Westminster Targets Churches and Faith Communities With New State Oversight Rules

The APPG is responding to a 2022 recommendation from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse to remove the supervision exemption for "regulated activity" in faith settings. Charity Thirtyone:eight has stated that "significant gaps exist in the current definition of regulated activity within faith communities."

The investigation covers churches, mosques, temples, and other faith based settings. A final report with recommendations will follow. While safeguarding children is non negotiable, the inquiry raises questions about the balance between protecting children and preventing the slow administrative regulation of ordinary discipleship activities like a midweek Bible study or a Sunday children's class.

The Crusader's Opinion

Every Christian wants children safeguarded. The Church of England's recent record makes the case for tighter rules unanswerable. But there is a fine line between protecting the innocent and turning every Sunday school teacher and youth volunteer into a state regulated functionary. Britain has form for using safeguarding language as a Trojan horse to creep state regulation deeper into private faith life. The APPG must do its job honestly. Protect children, yes. But do not let bureaucrats redefine the catechism class as a state licensed activity.

Take Action

• Submit: A response to the APPG inquiry by July 2026
• Donate: Thirtyone:eight, the charity coordinating safeguarding standards
• Read: The 2022 IICSA recommendations on regulated activity
• Pray: For protection of children and for wisdom in legislators handling church oversight
• Contact: Your MP urging that any new rules respect the autonomy of religious communities