Lord George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, has officially retired from ministry at the age of 89. His decision comes amidst renewed scrutiny over his handling of a case involving a priest previously accused of sexual abuse.
According to reports, Lord Carey relinquished his permission to officiate (PTO) on December 4. His resignation follows inquiries by the BBC regarding allegations that he allowed David Tudor, a priest banned in the late 1980s due to accusations of sexual misconduct, to return to ministry under supervision.
In his resignation letter, Lord Carey expressed gratitude for his years of service, stating that it was an “honour to serve” and acknowledging “God’s enduring faithfulness” throughout his ministry.
The Diocese of Oxford confirmed Carey’s retirement in a statement, noting his decision to step back from all ministerial duties.
David Tudor’s case has been a focal point of controversy within the Church of England. In October, a Church tribunal issued a lifetime ban against Tudor after he admitted to engaging in sexual misconduct.
Lord Carey’s resignation comes on the heels of another high-profile case involving outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Last month, Welby announced his decision to step down after acknowledging his failure to ensure a thorough investigation into abuse allegations involving a volunteer at Christian summer camps decades ago.
Adding to the turmoil, incoming Church of England leader, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, has also faced calls to resign. Critics have raised concerns over his delayed response to Tudor’s case during his time in a leadership role. In response, Cottrell stated that legal grounds to suspend Tudor did not exist until nine years later, when police arrested the priest.
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is expected to assume interim leadership as Archbishop of Canterbury next month following Welby’s departure.
The ongoing cases have cast a shadow over the Church of England’s leadership, prompting further calls for accountability and the implementation of stronger safeguarding measures.
