Archbishop and senior clergy covering up child abuse still

[Meezer]

Church Times has link to full report.
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/8-november/news/uk/prolific-brutal-and-horrific-makin-report-calls-out-the-smyth-abuse-and-the-cover-up

Victim statement
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/8-november/news/uk/prolific-brutal-and-horrific-makin-report-calls-out-the-smyth-abuse-and-the-cover-up

The fact Welby won't resign is also a disgrace. I have been told for years by a clergy friend that the CoFE now has better safeguarding practices than other churches- but this is crap, they are all as bad as each other, then they wonder why so many victims of abuse hold them in contempt. Christian leaders continue to ignore child safeguarding in favour of men's demands every time,- as another victim group (children of transpeople) mentioned here.
https://www.transgendertrend.com/schools-trans-policies-children-of-trans-parents/
I am so angry and disgusted at the lot of them. (And I'm writing it here as I can't tell the AoC!).

It's not just the CofE church that has problems though.
The problems I had were not in a CofE church. There are even fewer places to go to for help with others, and the press would be less interested.
I tried speaking to a couple of outside (Christian) agencies and all they could suggest was I went to the safeguarding lead of the denomination involved. Which as I'd told them that the safeguarding department had had at least two (I now know of at least three) independent letters expressing concern about the minister's behaviour towards me, was more upsetting than if they had ignored me.
And while the denomination was meant to be "investigating" (which actually all they did was ask him and agree that he was fine) they promoted him. That showed how much they were prepared to consider it.

I find some comfort from “If anyone causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Because those in a position of leadership will be held account for their behaviour towards their flock - and that includes those who failed to act on reports. They will not be able to bluff their way out by pretending they didn't know.

I know that sounds vindictive, but "'vengeance is mine.' says the Lord" has allowed me to forgive because I can put it in His hands and know He will do what is right.

@MargaretThursday Not vindictive at all, but very understandable. I am relieved for you that, knowing that the Lord will deal with it, has given you the strength to forgive (for your sake).

I find it really hard to understand why people cover up or don't act on abuse. Obviously from a moral perspective. But also, isn't it just really obvious that the church (which gives people access without continuous oversight to vulnerable people) will contain some bad people who try to do awful things? The issue is not spotting it early enough or acting on it, because there is no guaranteed test for spotting an abuser before they have tried to abuse in all situations - it is about minimising risk and ensuring all reports are properly dealt with. So why not admit it?

(I think the same about boarding schools - there will always be a few wrong uns who would apply there, or the military - there will always be a few who join up because they like the idea of violence. It's kind of baked in).

In my case one of the people that was complicit in covering up openly said "It's too hard to get another minister".
That was rubbed in by the minister who had been telling people since he arrived that because there was a shortage of ministers the church would probably not get another. He had openly said he'd tell the denomination not to give another minister if anyone said anything on more than one occasion. This was from pretty much the first week he was in - we all assumed he was joking at the time.

Interestingly the same person a year earlier had commented while the minister was on holiday that it was far easier without him around.

But I think it is difficult. Because as Christians we want to trust, we want to give people a chance and we want to be open and loving.
And that same situation that may give someone a new life and they may rise to it, also leaves it open for abusers who exploit it.
It's not a fluke that abusers do hide in the church.

And people are reluctant to upset people. They want to be seen as loving all and not discriminating. They don't see that be loving and bending over backwards to help the abuser and show that they trust them, is the opposite of loving towards the victim.
"We should all get along" was said to me more than once, and the thing was, I was prepared to get along - just they weren't. I was told "personality clash" "50/50" and things like that despite I hadn't done anything and all the aggression was on their side. When I finally put in a complaint, someone went forward to support me and was told "you'd expect him to behave like that when she's put in a complaint against him". Thing was his attitude never changed after I put the complaint in.

It's a mind set of sweeping it under the carpet, victims staying silent for fear of upsetting the abusers. That is what needs to be looked at.

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/6-december/news/uk/clergy-are-scared-of-a-culture-of-guilt-and-blame-says-bishop-of-blackburn

This article is really interesting. So many clergy must be terrified of getting in trouble for anything, even innocent mistakes. This has been the case in a church my friend goes to. The pastor has undergone a complete personality change, and has subjected a nice parishioner to a very distressing formal meeting over a non-event. Reading this, I understand why. I will pray for both of them.

Abuse in church settings often goes unchallenged because as you said people struggle to believe trusted leaders could do harm. Victims face disbelief, as others find it easier to dismiss their claims than confront uncomfortable truths. Abusers manipulate situations, preemptively discredit victims, and exploit the extremity of their actions to make them seem implausible, as illustrated by your examples from Harry Potter, The Wind in the Willows, and Matilda. Systemic issues such as close relationships within denominations, fear of losing ministers, and a reluctance to investigate further protect abusers. To address this, an independent, interdenominational body is essential. It would ensure impartiality, consistent standards, victim safety, and accountability, helping the Church better reflect Christ’s values of truth and justice.

You're absolutely right. Speaking up about abuse, especially in a church context, takes incredible courage. Victims often face not only the trauma of the abuse itself but also the potential rejection or dismissal by leaders and communities that should be their safe haven. It’s heartbreaking that the very places meant to reflect God’s love and justice sometimes fail so deeply.
Churches are called to be places of refuge, healing, and truth. Isaiah 1:17 commands us to “defend the oppressed,” and Micah 6:8 reminds us to “act justly and to love mercy.” When leadership fails to protect and support victims, it not only harms individuals but also damages the witness of the church as a whole. Still, there are glimmers of hope. Some churches and organizations are stepping up, creating safe environments, offering trauma-informed care, and addressing systemic issues. It’s a long journey, but one step at a time, churches can become the beacons of light they’re called to be. What are your thoughts on how churches can improve in supporting victims and ensuring accountability?