Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby
On Tuesday 6 October, the Independent Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) published its report on how our church has handled safeguarding and dealt with survivors and perpetrators of sexual abuse.
Archbishop Justin Welby said:
“To fail on safeguarding casts a profound stain across every good thing we do. I have said this before, and I continue to stand by it. But I am acutely aware as we come towards the end of this year that while there is a genuine concern for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults to be the highest priority of all parts of the Church, it is evident we have not got it right.
The report (of IICSA) is a stark and shocking reminder of how so many times we have failed – and continue to fail – survivors. Apologies are vital, but they are not enough. We have to listen. We have to learn. And we have to act.
In calling for the enquiry, through a letter to the then Home Secretary, Theresa May, in 2014, I was aware that although it would be something that survivors had demanded it would also be a deeply painful process to tell their stories. I am very grateful to them for their courage. We cannot and will not make excuses and I must again offer my sincere apologies to those who have been abused, and to their families, friends and colleagues.
There is clearly much to respond to, and an in-depth consideration of today’s report is vital. IICSA has shone a light on the past and present to help us better inform our future safeguarding work. They are owed our thanks which we give wholeheartedly. I pray that this report and its recommendations will result in the changes needed to make our church a safer place for all now and for future generations”.