Church bishop demands top leader step down over shocking abuse case findings

Newcastleʼs bishop asks for Archbishop of Canterburyʼs resignation after damaging child-abuse report. The churchʼs handling of historic abuse case puts its credibility at risk

November 11 2024 , 03:09 PM  •  967 views

Church bishop demands top leader step down over shocking abuse case findings

Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley of Newcastle made a ground-breaking statement about the Church of Englandʼs top leader on Nov 11th. She thinks the Archbishopʼs position isnt sustainable after a new report about child-abuse came out

Can we really trust the Church of England to keep us safe? And I think the answer at the moment is no

Bishop Hartley stated to BBC

The push for Justin Welbyʼs departure grows stronger; with three church-council members starting an on-line petition that got quick back-up from well-known priests. The Prime Ministers office stayed neutral saying its up to the church to decide

A just-released review (written by ex-social services director Keith Makin) points to missed chances in the John Smyth case: the most wide-spread abuse situation in church history. The report suggests that Welby probably knew something was wrong back in the 80ʼs - even if he didnt know how bad it was

Welby through his office says he wont step down; explaining he first heard about this in 2013. His team put out a note saying: he feels terrible about what happened but after thinking it through‚ he plans to stay and help make the church safer for everyone in the future

The archbishop reiterates his horror at the scale of John Smyths egregious abuse‚ as reflected in his public apology

Lambeth Palace spokesperson noted