The appalling abuse committed by former Church of England rector David Tudor, highlighted in today’s BBC File on Four documentary, is a grievous breach of trust and we commend the courage of those survivors who came forward aware of the retraumatising affects this has had on their lives.
The BBC Programme reveals a catalogue of past safeguarding decisions, that allowed someone who was considered a risk in the 1980s to return to ministry in the 1990s. This should never have happened.
David Tudor who has most recently served in the diocese of Chelmsford, was suspended by the former Bishop of Chelmsford in 2019 following new information, and was prohibited from ministry for life by a Bishops Disciplinary Tribunal in October. The prohibition followed a full admission of guilt to disclosures of serious sexual abuse that were brought as a disciplinary complaint, relating to the time when he was a priest in the Diocese of Southwark and includes serious sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old.
Safeguarding decisions and all appointments today are subject to very clear guidance issued by the House of Bishops, which was not in place at the 1990s. It is currently being strengthened further. This involves a clear process, both around safer recruitment and in assessing risk, even when no further action is taken by statutory services, to ensure the Church is a safe place for all.
The current Bishops of Chelmsford and Southwark have apologised for the hurt and harm caused by his offences and an independent Safeguarding Practice Review will now take place to ensure lessons are learnt from this case.
Support continues to be offered to the survivors and those affected by this case.
The Tribunal’s Judgement can be read in full on the Church of England Website.
