“If anyone puts a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for them if a great millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the sea.” Jesus to his disciples in Matthew 18:6.
“Appropriate and proportionate action should be taken with anyone who has failed in safeguarding terms.” The Bishop of Winchester, Rt. Rev’d Phillip Mounstephen.
In light of the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury this week, it’s appropriate that today is Safeguarding Sunday as the Church of England is left in turmoil and called to address the issues arising from the Makin Report more thoroughly and openly than has been the case. Since St Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 597, Archbishops have left their role for various reasons – not least murder and execution – but Justin Welby is the first to resign over matters of negligence. As he wrote in his resignation statement, “It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility,” and it was said of him that his position had become ‘holy untenable’.
There is very little that is holy in the appalling details that have been revealed about the terrible child abuse inflicted by John Smyth at youth camps and schools in the UK and Africa for so many years and the failure of the Church to deal with it effectively. Chances to stop him were missed and neither fully exposed nor prevented further abuse by him. Steps taken by the institution and individuals within it were ineffective and the police were not informed when they should have been as others who knew also failed to take proper action. Survivors therefore had to endure the consequences for longer than need have been the case in an institution tasked with particular care for the defenceless, widows and children, as well as liberation for the captive. Jesus himself warned his disciples of the terrible consequences for those who did not look after children (see above) and those who experienced the abuse included Smyth’s family. Many victims have described how their psychological and spiritual health has suffered even when the physical trauma ended and how they’ve been unable to move on even though Smyth is now dead because they were also treated so badly by the Church. As Mark Stibbe, victim and former vicar commented, ”We are still suffering broken hearts, broken marriages and broken lives as a result of it so it never really goes away.”
The Archbishop, a former oil executive, has endeavoured to introduce change to the church and update its practice on issues such as women bishops and the blessing of same sex marriages although these remain controversial. He has been outspoken on issues such as slavery, housing, child poverty, Rwanda and assisted dying although this seems to have been overlooked in the current controversy. Let it not be forgotten how much good the church also does in so many ways but it does seem that a conspiracy of silence has prevailed in a desire to protect the institution and avoid a scandal. Now that Welby has resigned, and others may follow, it’s suggested that this may lead to more effective and independent safeguarding with a complete overhaul of church procedures and awareness of individual as well as institutional responsibility.
This applies not just to the church but to many institutions and businesses where silence and turning a blind eye can often prevail, as in the case of Mohamed Al-Fayed at Harrods. It can take immense courage to speak out but the hope is that others may then also come forward, silenced voices may then be heard and action will follow.
Perhaps there have been times when we have not spoken out or have ourselves been ignored and not found support. May the shame and sorrow of which Justin Welby has spoken lead to greater awareness of the need for effective safeguarding in all areas of life from anyone involved in any way with children and vulnerable adults and not just figureheads. The responsibility and accountability for their safety belongs to us all.
For further information or support, please contact safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk or call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056. With my prayers; pob bendith,Christine, Priest Guardian.