Controversy Surrounds Incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally
As Sarah Mullally prepares to assume the role of Archbishop of Canterbury, she faces criticism regarding her management of historical safeguarding issues. Channel 4 News, led by presenter Cathy Newman, has recently scrutinized several of these cases, including the tragic suicide of Father Alan Griffin in 2020. Accused unjustly of child abuse, Griffin was found to have no evidence against him, according to Senior Coroner Mary Hassell, who concluded that the lack of clarity in the investigation contributed to his death.
The allegations against Fr Griffin were part of a secret dossier known as The Two Cities Report, which was compiled by a former operations head in the London Diocese. This document allegedly mixed legitimate concerns with “tittle tattle.” The operations head departed shortly after Mullally was appointed Bishop of London.
Griffin’s friend, Nicholas Sabine, expressed to Channel 4 News that the false narratives propagated about Griffin within the Church were devastating, emphasizing that Griffin was deeply affected by the Church’s institutional dynamics. “Large institutions put the institution first,” Sabine remarked to Newman.
A secretly recorded conversation revealed that Mullally acknowledged having received the dossier but claimed she never read it, knowing it contained gossip. The Diocese of London later clarified to Channel 4 News that Mullally delegated the assessment of the document to safeguarding professionals and the Diocesan Registrar. She was, however, informed about the clergy members named so she could reach out to them.
Despite these claims, some clergy members remain skeptical. The Rev Robert Thompson told Channel 4 News, “The issue is did she read the report? If she didn’t read the report, that shows that she was not taking her responsibility as a bishop properly. If she did read the report and did nothing about it all, that also shows that she has done nothing in relation to her proper responsibility as a bishop about the report.”
The coroner’s findings highlighted “systemic and individual failings,” prompting Mullally to apologize and commission an independent review of the London Diocese’s safeguarding procedures. The new scrutiny has led to calls to reconsider her upcoming appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. Her formal election is scheduled for January 28, 2026, at St Paul’s Cathedral, followed by her installation in March at Canterbury Cathedral.
Following the recent reports, Mullally reiterated her apology: “In 2022, following the publication of the independent report into Fr Alan Griffin’s death, I apologised unreservedly to his family and friends. I repeat that apology today.” She also emphasized the importance of independent scrutiny in safeguarding, citing the Robson Report’s role in instigating changes within the Diocese of London.
Joanne Grenfell, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop, defended Mullally, attesting to her efforts in improving safeguarding practices. “As Bishop of Stepney, I worked alongside Bishop Sarah in the Diocese of London from 2019 to 2025,” Grenfell said, highlighting Mullally’s commitment to creating robust safeguarding systems and fostering a healthier diocesan culture.
Under Mullally’s leadership, significant steps were taken to enhance the safeguarding team, increase oversight, and strengthen governance structures. Grenfell observed that Mullally was dedicated to transforming a culture that had previously overlooked inappropriate behavior. “In her response to recent news reports, I continue to see Bishop Sarah’s commitment to honesty and transparency in safeguarding, a commitment which I am glad she will also bring to the role of Archbishop of Canterbury.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
