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The ongoing turmoil within the Church of England has intensified, as senior clergy may face additional resignations linked to the controversial handling of child abuse allegations. This commentary comes from a prominent bishop amid the fallout from the church’s management of abuse cases spurred by the actions of serial abuser John Smyth.
The Most Rev Justin Welby stepped down recently, succumbing to escalating demands for accountability concerning his oversight while allegations against Smyth lingered for years.
During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today show, the Rt Rev Julie Conalty, Bishop of Birkenhead, expressed that Welby’s resignation would not address the deeper issues at play. She emphasized the necessity for systemic changes within the Church, stating, “This is about our culture. This is about a systemic failure.”
Conalty further indicated that additional clergy may need to resign, although she refrained from naming specific individuals.
In light of the revelations, victims have called for two bishops and an associate minister to also resign, citing their involvement in the scandal. The Bishop of Lincoln, Rev Stephen Conway, is notably under scrutiny for his inaction following a victim’s report about Smyth in 2013.
According to the Makin review, it was revealed that Bishop Conway, positioned to trigger a police investigation, failed to do so, allowing opportunities to slip away.
Another cleric facing potential repercussions is Rev Dr Jo Bailey Wells, who was functioning as Welby’s personal chaplain during the period in question. The report highlighted her failure to pursue crucial safeguarding concerns regarding Smyth.
Bishop Conalty underscored a significant issue: the Church of England’s image as a trustworthy institution has come into question. “It’s frustrating for me,” she reflected, mentioning that despite efforts to improve safety in churches, a culture persistently exists that does not prioritize victims and survivors adequately.
Welby himself acknowledged that he must accept “personal and institutional responsibility” for not acting decisively enough after learning about Smyth’s actions.
Bishop Conalty noted that the Church must confront its “cultural failure” regarding child protection. She expressed skepticism about current safeguarding efficacy, remarking, “No institution, nothing can ever be totally safe.”
Diverging Views on Future Resignations
In a contrasting viewpoint, the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, stated that no further bishops should resign following Welby’s departure. He acknowledged Welby’s acceptance of responsibility as crucial and distinguished between those who actively concealed wrongdoing and the bishops who were not directly involved in cover-ups.
Cottrell expressed that while he understands the collective anguish stirred by the Makin review, there is a need to recognize the complexity of the Church’s structure, which encompasses a multitude of parishes and ministries. He underscored the importance of learning from these failures while also noting some progress made in safeguarding under Welby’s leadership.
As church authorities navigate the aftermath of these revelations, there is a clear acknowledgment that systemic reforms are necessary to prevent future abuse and ensure that the welfare of victims is prioritized effectively. Discussions surrounding accountability, transparency, and true safeguarding remain imperative as this institution strives to regain the public’s trust.
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