Home   News   National   Article

Church of England apologises for ‘shameful’ abuse ahead of report publication


By PA News

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have apologised to survivors of abuse, as the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) prepares to publish its overarching investigation report into the Church of England.

In an open letter ahead of the publication on Tuesday, Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell said it would be a “very harrowing time” for those who have suffered at the hands of the Church.

“We are truly sorry for the shameful way the Church has acted and we state our commitment to listen, to learn and to act in response to the report’s findings,” they wrote.

We cannot and will not make excuses and can again offer our sincere and heartfelt apologies
Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell

“We cannot and will not make excuses and can again offer our sincere and heartfelt apologies to those who have been abused, and to their families, friends and colleagues.”

The report is expected to be based on a public hearing in July 2019, which examined the response of the Church of England and the Church in Wales to allegations of child sexual abuse, as well as the adequacy of current safeguarding policies and practices.

It will also consider the case of the Diocese of Chichester and the late disgraced bishop Peter Ball, who was jailed in 2015 for sexual offences against 18 young men over three decades.

Former bishop Peter Ball was jailed in 2015 for sexual offences against 18 young men over three decades (John Stillwell/PA)
Former bishop Peter Ball was jailed in 2015 for sexual offences against 18 young men over three decades (John Stillwell/PA)

The archbishops wrote: “The report will identify failings that we are already working to change, and failings that we will need to work harder to change.

“There will no doubt be strong recommendations and we welcome that. We make an absolute commitment to taking action to make the Church a safe place for everyone, as well as to respond to the needs of survivors for support and redress.”

The inquiry has investigated the actions of celebrities, politicians, police, religious groups and schools, among others.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.

Keep up-to-date with important news from your community, and access exclusive, subscriber only content online. Read a copy of your favourite newspaper on any device via the HNM App.

Learn more


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More