Beloved Belonging: Creating Psychologically Safe Spaces

Experiencing safety is not only the key to engagement, but also to feeling like we belong, feeling like we can truly take our place in the body of Christ. Lorraine explained that this is because belonging is anchored in safety; it centres around the experience of feeling accepted, where our perspective is valued, like we can add something useful, a true sense of feeling needed and wanted. In her explanation, Lorraine introduced us to the beautiful word ‘Ubuntu’ – an ancient African word meaning “I am, because we are”. A wonderful reflection of God’s best for us as part of the body of Christ. Together we watched a video presentation from Father Gregory Boyle entitled ‘Beloved Belonging’. In his talk, Father Gregory encouraged us to demonstrate the body of Christ by standing in the margins and making sure that everyone is included, creating a circle of compassion so that we can experience relational wholeness with each other – no us and them, just us. He urged us to stand with those who are hurting so that there is no hurt, stand with the poor, the powerless, the voiceless so that we can create a community of beloved belonging, creating a place of kinship; one body belonging to Christ.

Reflecting on my experiences in church, it is always such a joy to see occasions where beloved belonging has been played out. Times where children like Joshua, who need safe spaces and safe people in order to engage, have been welcomed in and allowed the time that they need to feel a sense of calm and begin to feel safe enough to be themselves. Often there will be key people who provide a safe space for individuals who are struggling, often intergenerational relationships blossom and provide a sense of safety and calm that enable individuals to feel like they belong, and that their presence and contributions matter.