In a recent development, key figures within the Church of England, including a former leader, are under scrutiny for their handling of sexual abuse allegations, as reported by church authorities on Tuesday.
George Carey, who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 to 2002, stepped down from his role as a priest in December following revelations that he permitted the Rev. David Tudor, suspended due to sexual abuse accusations, to re-enter the priesthood in the 1990s.
The church’s national safeguarding team announced plans on Tuesday to initiate disciplinary measures against Carey along with nine other clergy members for potential mishandlings in an unrelated abuse case.
In November, an independent review commissioned by the church was published, revealing that knowledge of persistent abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps was widespread within the church, yet no action was taken.
The review indicated that Carey was informed about the severe physical and sexual abuse perpetrated by the volunteer, John Smyth, a prominent lawyer, and was sent a copy of an earlier report on the matter, though Carey denies ever seeing it.
The investigation also highlighted that Justin Welby, a former leader of the church and head of the global Anglican Communion, did not report his knowledge of the claims against Smyth to the authorities. Welby stepped down from his position last year.
John Smyth, who reportedly abused over 100 young boys and men over five decades, passed away in 2018 in Cape Town amidst police investigations.
Alexander Kubeyinje, the national director of safeguarding for the Church of England, expressed deep remorse for the trauma inflicted on survivors and victims by Smyth’s actions.
“We acknowledge that this will never undo the harm caused, but the Church is committed to seriously addressing the findings of the review as well as acting upon its recommendations,” he stated.
