The uncertainty generated has left a series of questions that serves no-one well, least of all the alleged victim.
For that reason, we welcome an announcement this week that the Church of England has launched an independent review into the processes regarding the settlement.
The review is a matter of standard procedure and is not intended to undermine the original decision, but we trust its remit will go beyond mere process without adding further to the distress of the woman involved.
Bell was too important a figure to have his reputation trashed without full transparency and disclosure in the public domain.