The Church of England is set to take its first major step toward making its safeguarding system independent from the institution, aiming to rebuild trust following multiple failures in handling
abuse cases.
On Tuesday, the Church’s governing body, the General Synod, will be presented with two potential models for reform. The Synod, which convened in London this week for the first time since former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned in November amid an abuse cover-up scandal, will debate the proposals before voting later in the day.
“These are radical steps, which I believe are necessary,” said Joanne Grenfell, the lead safeguarding bishop, in a statement outlining the proposed changes.
The Church of England, which serves as the mother church for 85 million Anglicans across 165 countries, has been facing growing scrutiny over its handling of abuse allegations. Since Welby’s resignation, further reports of abuse within the Church have surfaced, intensifying calls for reform.
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, who is temporarily leading the Church while a permanent successor is chosen, acknowledged the erosion of trust when addressing the Synod on Monday. He pledged to strengthen the safeguarding system, admitting that past mistakes had been made. Cottrell himself has faced accusations of historic safeguarding failures, though he has defended his actions.
The proposed reforms outline two approaches. The first would shift most of the National Safeguarding Team (NST) staff from the Archbishops’ Council to an external body. The second, a more comprehensive model favored by Grenfell, would also transfer safeguarding staff from diocesan teams and cathedrals to an independent entity.
Both models aim to enhance consistency and eliminate potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, they include the establishment of an external oversight body to handle complaints, conduct audits of safeguarding practices, and accredit safeguarding professionals.
The Synod’s decision on these proposals will mark a crucial step in the Church’s efforts to restore confidence and improve protections for its members. Photo by Hans Musil, Wikimedia commons.