12 November 2024

Like many others it has been with shame and deep sadness that I have read the recent Makin review. First and foremost in my mind are the victims who had the courage to come forward and for whom this will be a particularly difficult time. We owe the reviewers a debt of gratitude for their careful and insightful report which we must take time to digest.

It is with mixed emotions that I have learned about the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. His decision shows the seriousness with which he takes the criticisms contained in the report and demonstrates his willingness to take his share of responsibility for the failures identified. At the same time, I’m also conscious of so many positive contributions he has made during his tenure, including his drive and commitment to see improvements in the area of safeguarding within the life of the church.

We should make no mistake, the Archbishop’s resignation does not alter the challenge for the whole church. The content of Makin should shake us to the core, call us once more to repentance and renew us in our determination to work for a better, safer future.

I’m deeply aware that there will be many in our parishes who may be feeling despondent, disorientated, angry and confused. I want to encourage you to be gentle with one another, hold one another in prayer and keep your eyes firmly fixed on Christ who is ever before us. Safeguarding is fundamental to our life of discipleship and we must continue striving to create communities where we hold one another accountable, treat one another with love and respect, and challenge unhealthy power structures. I want to express my profound thanks to all those who, across the Diocese, are working to create safe spaces in which all God’s children are valued equally.

In the coming days, I will have in my thoughts all those affected by the events of recent days and will continue to pray for God’s mercy, compassion and healing.

+Guli Chelmsford