A statement from the Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, following the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby:
The victims and survivors of abuse will have suffered unimaginable distress at the findings of the Makin Report, and I want to convey my thanks for their bravery in telling their stories.
I also commend Archbishop Justin for his honourable decision to take both personal and institutional responsibility for the failings described in the report.
The Church of England has made a commitment to safeguarding, to creating a safer Church, and to learning from the Makin Report – and the Diocese of Derby and I echo those commitments wholeheartedly.
We will continue to put victims and survivors of abuse first and to prioritise their care.
We will continue to work together with survivors to build a safer Church in which they, and anyone who has suffered as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, receive the support they need and deserve.
It must also be a church where, collectively, we promote a culture in which victims are heard and responded to well, and children and other vulnerable people can know that they are protected and safe. That is the responsibility of us all.
Please pray for all those who have been harmed, for Archbishop Justin and for the wider Church that it may truly become a place of welcome, compassion and safety.
