LONDON (ENGLAND)
BBC
May 9, 2019
Prince Charles was photographed with the then Bishop of Gloucester Peter Ball in 1993
The Church of England’s response to child sex abuse allegations was “marked by secrecy”, a report has found.
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord George Carey has been criticised for supporting former Bishop Peter Ball.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) said Ball “was able to sexually abuse vulnerable teenagers and young men for decades”.
Its report said the support given by the Prince of Wales to the shamed clergyman was “misguided”.
It said his actions “could have been interpreted as expressions of support” for Ball and “had the potential to influence the actions of the church”.
The IICSA described the “appalling sexual abuse against children” in the Diocese of Chichester, with 18 members of the clergy convicted of offences during a 50-year period.
Bishop Peter Hancock, the Church of England’s safeguarding lead, said: “We are immensely grateful to survivors for their courage in coming forward. Their testimonies have made shocking and uncomfortable listening.
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