The Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, has responded to the announcement that the Archbishop of Canterbury is standing down:
“Archbishop Justin’s decision today provides the urgent impetus we need to change the face of safeguarding in the Church of England.
“The crimes that John Smyth perpetrated were absolutely appalling. So too was the Church’s failure to act in response. At the heart of these events are people who were abused, and who are still being abused.
“The Church of England now needs a reset in how safeguarding is scrutinised. Archbishop Justin’s decision reflects a recognition of the standards to which we are all held. It also creates the necessary space to enable change. We need a genuinely survivor-focused approach, with independent scrutiny and mandatory reporting at its heart. From this moment, the Church must drive fundamental safeguarding reform.
“As Archbishop, Justin’s prominent, public roles at the funeral of the late Queen, and at the Coronation of King Charles, have been central to the spiritual life of the nation. Within the Church of England, he was instrumental in the passing of the legislation to make women bishops a reality. His focus on prayer and mission will leave a lasting legacy. However, today it is the survivors of abuse who must be at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.”
