UNITED KINGDOM
Anglican Archbishop of York
Saturday 17th August 2013
The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has today announced that there will be an independent review of all files relating to deceased clergy who served in the Diocese of York from before 1950 to the present.
On July 22nd 2013 the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, announced the launch of an Independent Inquiry, led by HH Judge Sally Cahill QC, into the Church’s handling of reports of alleged child abuse by the late Robert Waddington, a former Dean of Manchester.
The Inquiry has now begun its work, and HH Judge Cahill has appealed for those with relevant information to contact the Secretary of the Inquiry, Mrs Nicola Harding, at Cathedral Chambers, 4 Kirkgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1PA. njh@tunnardsolicitors.com
Prior to this, in July the General Synod had voted to acknowledge and apologise for past safeguarding wrongs in the Church of England, and to ensure that steps are taken to make sure that victims of abuse are always actively listened to and offered appropriate support.
In the light of this, the Archbishop has recalled from the archive all files of deceased clergy who served in the Diocese of York from before 1950 to the present, and has appointed an Independent Reviewer to examine these files thoroughly. The protocol for the Church of England’s National Review of Past Cases of Child Abuse which took place in 2008/9 did not include the files of deceased clergy, but it is now recognised that it is important to review these files as well. Where relevant material is found, this will help to inform the response of the Church and of relevant statutory agencies to any reports which may surface in relation to those who have since died.
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