We write after watching Archbishop Justin’s farewell speech in the House of Lords yesterday. We have heard from several of you about the distress and anger that this has caused you.
Both in content and delivery, the speech was utterly insensitive, lacked any focus on victims and survivors of abuse, especially those affected by John Smyth, and made light of the events surrounding the Archbishop’s resignation. It was mistaken and wrong. We acknowledge and deeply regret that this has caused further harm to you in an already distressing situation.
We know that the Church of England has seriously failed over many years at many levels in relation to safeguarding, and we are so sorry that yesterday’s speech was the antithesis of all that we are now trying to work towards in terms of culture change and redress with all of you.…
Extraordinary that the lead bishops for safeguarding in the @churchofengland should issue this message to abuse survivors following #justinwelby’s speech. But entirely necessary. Relieved they acted so swiftly. pic.twitter.com/ck4TFdy2ha
— Michael Sadgrove 🇪🇺 (@MichaelSadgrove) December 6, 2024
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