[10 Feb 2025]
Dear Friends,
I am aware of the recent calls for the resignation of the Archbishop of York. I would like to openly and publicly state that I do not support such calls and would ask that in our pursuit of good and transparent processes and structures that our fit for purpose, we do not weaponise or personalise this endeavour to the detriment of individuals.
Although there are still unanswered questions and my own situation remains unresolved, it is untrue that the Archbishop has not provided support. In August 2023 once my formal disclosure had been made against the Bishop of Liverpool, the archbishop of York recognised the very sensitive and difficult situation I found myself in and for pastoral reasons encouraged me to take extended leave pending a resolution. The archbishop ensured there was pastoral support in place for me throughout, which continues to this day. Claims asserting the archbishop of York did nothing are not true.
Two questions I have been asked repeatedly over these past days and months are; ‘Has your faith been knocked by all you’ve experienced?’ and, ‘Will you walk away from the Church?’ The answer to both questions is very simply: “No”.
Firstly, our faith is not in an institution, it is in the God who became incarnate, who was crucified, is risen from the dead and glorified and who promises, ‘I am with you always’. My faith is not knocked by all this. If anything, it is stronger.
Secondly, I have spent a long time on the wrong side of the church walls. The other side of the wall is desolate. But, I remain fully committed to the Church of God into which I am called.
We have all been rocked by recent disclosures, the sequence of abuse, scandal and systemic institutional failings, and by the suffering of men and women, children and adults who have been harmed as a consequence of our failings and carelessness. However, quick-fix solutions that apportion blame, call for resignations which suggest something is being seen to be done are tempting. But do these really resolve anything and bring about a cultural, professional and holy shift that we now need?
A corporate and individual self-examen is perhaps a more theological approach to the kind of scrutiny that every part of the Church should now be open to. As a church, whom are we serving? What are we doing? Why? How does our life and ministry, corporately and individually reflect the grace-shaped, Christ-filled church that is his Body and our calling. In many ways, the Church’s systemic failings are no different from other institutions – but this in itself is an indictment against us. What sits in the shadows of the institutional church? Do our systems and processes serve us or do we serve them? These are important questions which need considered examination.
I believe this is now a kairos moment for the Church of England – a God-given opportunity for us to look at ourselves, to self-examen in the light of who Jesus is and what he is calling us to and shaping us for.
My dear sisters and brothers, let us in true humility and penitence turn our face to the one who has endured the Cross and Hell for the sake of the Church and the world. Please let’s resist the temptation to weaponise people and their circumstances for other purposes or
campaigns. I make a particular plea for sensitivity to trauma-informed pastoral care for victims and survivors. Let’s resist weaponising God.
We bring so much to this Synod, including our disagreements and particular hurts, frustrations and disappointments and righteous indignation. My hope is that we can covenant and commit to work together as sisters and brothers, archbishop, bishops, priests, deacons, lay leaders and laity – recognising our vocations in Christ. We are the Body of Christ. Let’s use all that we are to inform grace-shaped conversations that will bring about the transformation we long for and which Scripture makes clear is Christ’s vision for his church.
With the assurance of my prayers and love.
+Bev
Bishop of Warrington.
