The Archbishop of York, Most Rev. Stephen Cottrell, has described the Church of England’s struggles with abuse scandals as a “darkness” overshadowing its mission. He has pledged to champion reforms to improve safeguarding and rebuild trust in the institution.
As the Church awaits the appointment of a new Archbishop of Canterbury following the resignation of Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop Cottrell has assumed interim leadership. In a heartfelt letter marking the Feast of Epiphany, he addressed clergy, lay ministers, and congregants, outlining steps to address the Church’s failings.
“We are confronted with a darkness that has harmed so many,” Cottrell wrote. “Reading reports of abuse, cover-ups, and institutional failure, we have sometimes felt separated from the light and hope of Christ. To those who have been hurt, I offer my deepest apologies.”
The Archbishop referred to the recent Makin Review, which highlighted significant failures in how the Church handled abuse allegations involving the late barrister John Smyth. In response, the Church has initiated a process to reassess safeguarding practices, evaluate risks, and act on new evidence.
Cottrell emphasized the need for independent scrutiny of the Church’s safeguarding practices. He committed to presenting proposals for such oversight at the upcoming General Synod. These measures aim to ensure that safeguarding processes are not only effective but also trusted by victims and survivors.
“Victims and survivors are asking for – and deserve – more than words of lament. They call us to action,” he wrote, acknowledging that while progress has been made, more must be done to create a safer and more accountable Church.
The Archbishop also outlined plans to finalize the Church’s Redress Scheme, which seeks to offer tangible expressions of remorse and support for abuse survivors. Additionally, he vowed to collaborate with Rt. Rev. Joanne Grenfell, the lead bishop for safeguarding, on new clergy conduct measures and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the Church’s disciplinary framework.
Cottrell’s own record on safeguarding has drawn criticism. In December, it was revealed that he had reappointed a priest, David Tudor, with a history of abuse allegations to a senior role while serving as Bishop of Chelmsford. Tudor remained in ministry for nine years after concerns about his conduct were first raised.
Addressing these concerns in his letter, Cottrell stated, “Whether it is my decisions that are called into question or anyone’s within the Church, our safeguarding practices must be subject to independent oversight and scrutiny.”
As the Church of England seeks to navigate these challenges, the Archbishop’s commitments signal a resolve to confront past failures and move toward a future rooted in accountability and healing.
