Challenging times for Church, says Archbishop as he notes abuse victims’ anger The Archbishop of York recognised the “difficult and challenging times” faced by the Church of England as he acknowledged the “anguish, anger, sadness, and regret” of victims and survivors of abuse about safeguarding failings.
Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley, who was present in the chamber, has been the only bishop to publicly call for Mr Cottrell’s resignation, saying he is “the wrong person” to be leading the Church and that it is inappropriate for him to be in the role and be “leading change that the Church needs at this time”.
Mr Cottrell has himself been under pressure in recent months, accused of not acting quickly enough in his then-role as Bishop of Chelmsford over priest David Tudor, who was allowed to remain in post despite having been barred by the Church from being alone with children and having paid compensation to a sexual abuse victim.
An advocate for abuse survivors has called on Mr Cottrell and other senior leaders in the Church to show “radical humility”, as the handling of abuse cases once again comes under the spotlight during debate this week.
Mr Cottrell took over most of Mr Welby’s responsibilities when the latter resigned after a damning report concluded prolific serial abuser John Smyth might have been brought to justice had the archbishop formally reported him to police five years before his death.
