Safeguarding Failures in the Church of England

Extract from Father David’s Sermon - The Second Sunday of Advent

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. (Luke 3.1-2)

Today it’s not a Roman Emperor that makes life problematic, but rather having to working through a flawed institution like the Church of England. I am giving focus here to the Archbishop’s resignation over safeguarding failures. Several people have brought it to my attention that they are finding it difficult to pray for Justin Welbey as he is not the victim here but rather someone implicated in failing to inform the police about the activities of a prolific abuser. Many people in our congregations feel hurt and betrayed and are looking for some assurance from the institution of the Church that the next Archbishop of Canterbury will exercise their ministry with the professionalism and competence that is required of that role.

I have shared with Bishop Michael our concerns, and I have been encouraged by his support, leadership and guidance to ensure that safeguarding is truly everybody’s business. He was pleased to hear that the Loggerheads Benefice had been able to reflect on the Makin Report and believes that we are right to say that it makes for shocking reading, particularly in light of other recent reports. Furthermore it must serve as a summons to the whole church to recommit to the priority of making our church a safer place. Bishop Micheal was also encouraged by the good practice of the Loggerheads Benefice, and appreciated what was said about the need for greater proactive support for parish safeguarding officers.

Father David