This is backed by survivors of abuse and was supported by Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, church estates commissioner, who told Synod: “I am clear that this must be a watershed moment for the Church to change its culture and its approach to safeguarding, as these failures must never happen again.”.
Dean Howell-Jones backed the second proposed option, known as option four, which would see all safeguarding officers currently working in dioceses, cathedrals, and the national church transferred to work for a new independent organisation.
Reverend Jonathan Gibbs backed option three, which he said would have a better chance of changing the culture within the Church as safeguarding officers would be more connected to institutions.
Peter Howell-Jones, Dean of Blackburn, told members that the C of E needed to “stop trying to control something which is beyond our ability”, adding: “We must give away power that we have abused and allow safeguarding processes...to be properly assessed by those who are experts in the field, outside the church.”.
The C of E’s ruling body, the General Synod, opened this week with a failed mutiny to bar the Archbishop of York, the acting head of the church, from addressing members.
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