The Benefice of Debenham and Helmingham
Welcome.
We are a benefice of seven parishes. Six small villages or hamlets, each with a church building, gather round the larger village of Debenham. Debenham has a population of about 2500 people, schools, shops, cafes, a pub, and a leisure centre.
Other denominations which have a presence in the the villages are the URC, Baptists and a free church called The Forge. We share a happy relationship in Christ.
As a Benefice we are prayerfully trying to hear the voice of God as we are called to look to our future pattern of Christian worship and presence.
We have a rich heritage. Six of the churches are from Medieval times and Debenham shows signs of Saxon building. So worship and pastoral care have been a blessing for centuries in our parishes.
We are committed to our church being a safe and welcoming place for all peoples. If you have any safeguarding concerns or questions, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer, David Carruthers on 01728 860508 [email protected], or the Rector, Revd Susan Taylor on 01728 860222, email: [email protected]. Further information can be found at www.cofesuffolk.org/promoting-a-safer-church
Our parish of Debenham: St Mary Magdalene is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO David Carruthers, 07722 906163, [email protected] or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Karen Galloway. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.