“Events have moved on significantly over the past week, following the publication of the Makin Review last Thursday and my subsequent statement. The major focus has been on Archbishop Justin himself, who has admitted failings of his own since he first became aware of John Smyth’s catalogue of abuse in England and Africa; but his decision to step down has equally shown a willingness to take responsibility for the wider Church's failings, and to demonstrate the seriousness of his commitment to those who have suffered as a result.“My prayers remain first and foremost with my fellow victims of Smyth’s abuse. I am personally aware that this is a time of heightened emotion for many (which I share), as the depth of Smyth's brutality has been so clearly revealed; and I pray for some kind of closure for those who have waited so long for it. “On the ground our churches have continued to make significant improvements in our safeguarding practice, and I am deeply grateful for the skill and commitment of our Parish Safeguarding Officers, and the victim-centred focus of Jackie and our Safeguarding team at Church House, in whom I have great confidence. I'd encourage us all to redouble our efforts in this regard, in pursuit of our commitment to achieve the safest of churches, schools and communities. Please do flag up even the most tentative of concerns with the team. “I am deeply grateful for all who have reached out to me over the course of the past week, and for your concern and prayers; and please do pray for Archbishop Justin and Caroline too, who have given so generously of themselves in this most challenging of callings. Given the turbulence at the Church right now - at least at its senior level - it would be easy to lose heart: but God is Good and Christ is Risen in amidst all of our many flaws and failings; and peace will return in time."
Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow. It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024. It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion. I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse. The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.In the meantime, I will follow through on my commitment to meet victims. I will delegate all my other current responsibilities for safeguarding until the necessary risk assessment process is complete.I ask everyone to keep my wife Caroline and my children in their prayers. They have been my most important support throughout my ministry, and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Caroline led the spouses’ programme during the Lambeth Conference and has travelled tirelessly in areas of conflict supporting the most vulnerable, the women, and those who care for them locally.I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve. I pray that this decision points us back towards the love that Jesus Christ has for every one of us. For above all else, my deepest commitment is to the person of Jesus Christ, my saviour and my God; the bearer of the sins and burdens of the world, and the hope of every person.
Since pastoral reorganisation in the Diocese of Truro I needed to wait for what the greatly missed Venerable Paul Bryer, then Archdeacon of Cornwall, formerly Archdeacon of Dorking, called “a Shane-shaped hole” to appear - a place where I can best continue to pastor - to lead, accompany and serve. I am thrilled that it has been discerned that the united benefice of Dunsfold and Hascombe is that place and my wife Jacquie and I greatly look forward to joining you. Our daughter, Hannah, who currently lives, works and studies in Bath/Bristol will no doubt relish visiting this beautiful area that we will call home after 17 years in Cornwall.I am above all a visible presence in the communities in which I live and serve. I wear a clerical collar when out and about so hopefully people know they can talk to me and I will listen (and laugh with you and enjoy a cuppa or a beer in the Sun Inn or the White Horse if that’s a more comfortable place to meet.) I see myself to be a pastoral priest for the people, not just those who already come to church. One of the joys of rural ministry is that the villagers see the village church as their church, however rarely or often they attend it. By seeking to assure people that it is there for them whenever they need it, by being open and by having a space for contemplation and prayer, we build relationships that can flourish and be mutually supportive. From 20 years in parish ministry I know how much people appreciate some of God’s love shown to them at their happiest, most heart-breaking, challenging and exciting times. And simply by knowing that someone was there for them and was there to listen to them and, where necessary, build bridges and repair relationships. As your new part-time priest in charge I trust I will be able to do similar things with and for you and that together we can transform church, transform lives in Dunsfold and Hascombe, the wider deanery of Cranleigh and diocese of Guildford.Jacquie and I greatly enjoyed meeting so many of you when I came for interview and look forward to joining in with all that life in our villages and churches has to offer. We may not be physically with you for another few months but please be assured you are already in our prayers.With love in Christ,Father Shane
