Following the news that the Archbishop of Canterbury has today offered his resignation, Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert have updated the message they shared on 11 November.
“The Makin report on John Smyth makes sickening and sobering reading. That this level of abuse could be going on in the Church and other institutions, and knowingly by so many, is abhorrent and disturbs us to our core.
“As Bishops in the Church of England we are profoundly sorry for the hurt, the pain and the suffering which victims and survivors of John Smyth’s abuse have endured, and we are ashamed at the Church’s response to the allegations. We are also appalled that any clergy person could believe that covering up abuse was justified in the name of the Gospel.
“We agree with the Archbishop’s decision to resign, and hope that this goes some way in acknowledging the failures of the Church to act and respond to survivors and victims of this horrific abuse, while recognising that this can never undo the pain and impact on people’s lives.
“As Bishops we will continue to advocate for a process of satisfactory redress for victims and survivors of abuse and remain committed to creating a safer culture across our Diocese, and safeguarding the welfare of every child, young person and adult.
“We continue to pray for all whose lives continue to be impacted by the publication of the report and all that led to it becoming necessary”.
Finding support
If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by the publication of this report and want to talk to someone independently please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team or the National Safeguarding Team at gro.d1731430586nalgn1731430586efohc1731430586ruhc@1731430586gnidr1731430586augef1731430586as1731430586
There are also other support services available.
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