Questions Arise Over the Church of England’s Handling of Abuse Case
The recent resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury has sparked calls for further scrutiny into the Church of England’s response to allegations of abuse. Keith Makin, whose review uncovered significant failures, suggested the possibility of police involvement.
In his critical review released earlier this month, Keith Makin accused the Church in England of concealing John Smyth’s misconduct, alleging that Archbishop Justin Welby did not ensure proper reporting to the authorities.
Makin shared his thoughts on the review’s impact with Channel 4 News’ Cathy Newman, who played a pivotal role in exposing Smyth’s abuses.
Responding to Newman’s query on whether police action should be invoked, Makin stated, “I think we’re looking at a big span of time, and I do think that there needs to be consideration given as to whether police action needs to be taken. I actually don’t know the answer to that.”
Newman pressed further, asking if it should at least be considered. Makin concurred, “I think it must be considered, yes.”
He hinted at the possibility of additional resignations following Welby’s departure.
“I think the church does need to look very carefully at absolutely everything within its remit. I’m not in a position really to comment on any individuals within that,” he remarked. “But if these same kinds of conditions apply to any other senior official, you know, bishop or whatever within the church, then yes, the same should unfold.”
Following Welby’s resignation announcement, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has been urged to step down by Dame Jasvinder Sanghera. Sanghera, dismissed last year from the now-defunct Independent Safeguarding Board, accused Cottrell of neglecting 11 serious abuse complaints.
Cottrell has refuted these accusations, telling the Guardian he does not intend to resign.
“The complaints were passed to ‘other appropriate safeguarding professionals, and Jasvinder is mistaken when she says I ignored them.’ I’m not going to resign. Like everyone who serves the church, I’m subject to the discipline and authority of the church. If people read the [independent safeguarding board report], they can make their own conclusions,” he commented.
Lambeth Palace recently announced that Welby will cease all official duties by January 6, with the exact date of his formal departure yet undecided.
“Archbishop Justin intends very little public-facing activity between now and Epiphany, but plans to honour a small number of remaining commitments,” the statement revealed.
This article was originally published by Christian Today.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
