Farewell and good riddance

I didn't see it Sarnia but judging by your OP if I had, I'd have been disgusted .

I didn't see it but would point out that it was our, female, Bishop of Newcastle who pushed for him to go. He was shoehorned into Durham, briefly, in preparation for Canterbury.

With regard to safeguarding, those of us involved at parish level are now obliged to undertake safeguarding training and know when to report concerns to safeguarding officers and on up the line. I think, perhaps, those in more senior positions haven't had the same training and don't know what to do when a problem occurs (more so in the past). They need strict guidelines as to the correct procedures, the same as the rest of us.

We took safeguarding training at our previous church but I don't see the relevance of this or lack of it in this case.

It's common sense and an example of one's level of personal responsibility to ensure that allegations of this magnitude are thoroughly examined. So if 'the man in charge' isn't doing this personally, rather than absolving himself of any personal responsibility by assuming the matter was being taken care of by someone else, he should have made sure it was.

There's little point in those with safeguarding training within the C of E reporting their concerns to the designated safeguarding officer, so those concerns go on up the line if those further up, shirk their responsibilities.

Smythe was in a high profile position of trust and authority, not someone who was 'under the radar'. He was enabled to carry out his abusive behaviour here, and to go to South Africa to continue his reign of terror.

Welby's a disgrace.

I did see it I am not remotely religious but if I was it would have shattered my faith. The man is a disgrace he showed no remorse was arrogant and l was appalled watching it.

He should have just gone, quietly, with no whistles or bells.

The Smythe issue will not be resolved until people feel that the 30 or so senior people named as "should have taken action" have been called to account. From the outside, its hard to see whats happening on this.

I think its good what ordinary congregations are doing as in building a safe future,

what they need is well as making all safe now (and many have been doing this for some time),

is for the General Synod to ensure there is a safe and satisfactory reporting structure.

I did not see it but did read the comments in the Press from those who did. He clearly feels no sense of responsibility for his (lack of )action whatsoever.
I agree; good riddance.

I saw it too and was astonished by his lighthearted tone. He more or less said that he a scapegoat. There was much chuckling in the male ranks but the Bishop with her head in her hands said it all for me.

youtu.be/9hN64Qxm0Ks?si=CdctMUHO2Du79cIz
A link for anyone who missed it.

Septimia

I didn't see it but would point out that it was our, female, Bishop of Newcastle who pushed for him to go. He was shoehorned into Durham, briefly, in preparation for Canterbury.

With regard to safeguarding, those of us involved at parish level are now obliged to undertake safeguarding training and know when to report concerns to safeguarding officers and on up the line. I think, perhaps, those in more senior positions haven't had the same training and don't know what to do when a problem occurs (more so in the past). They need strict guidelines as to the correct procedures, the same as the rest of us.

I think, perhaps, those in more senior positions haven't had the same training and don't know what to do when a problem occurs (more so in the past). They need strict guidelines as to the correct procedures, the same as the rest of us

This seems to be an attempt at excusing the many clergy who deliberated covered up the abuse.
There is no excuse. I don't understand why Welby was allowed to make the speech, it was disgusting as is he and all the others that turned the other cheek.
Why on earth would more senior members not have the same training as lesser mortals, beggars belief.

Septimia - It was the Makin report, the survivors and every decent person who pushed for him to him to go, it should not stop with him.

It just proves he had to go. Not fit to be A of C. I’ve been reading elsewhere that the number of diocese officials has increased dramatically particularly with inclusivity etc officers. This leaves lest money for parishes which have been forced to amalgamate leaving the poor vicar rushed off his feet.

I disliked him before but now I’m astounded at his arrogance. He’s a most unpleasant man in my opinion and unfit for the role he occupied.

Ugh. What a disgrace he is, and the sycophants on the row behind are as bad. Joking about the people we should feel sorry for being his staff. This was a missed opportunity to show real compassion for all the poor victims of a hideous paedophile.

Shocking, just when you think it can’t get worse, it does.
I don’t agree with the suggestion that more senior people in the Church may have missed out on safeguarding training, somehow minimising their failure to act. Safeguarding isn’t a new thing. It’s been top priority for sure since the 1980’s when all organisations were expected to have written policies.
Are we expected to believe that no one was able to identify beating the buttocks of boys and young men until they bled was abuse? Also that the behaviour wasn’t linked to sexual activity.
Welby and the row if bishops behind him should be ashamed. Sadly, they clearly arent

I honestly think that people didn't know what to do in the past - they just moved the problem person on.

I'm most certainly not condoning that, or the lack of effort by people more recently to deal with it properly. It just shows that they were/are weak and ineffectual and not worthy of respect or their position in society.

Septimia

I honestly think that people didn't know what to do in the past - they just moved the problem person on.

I'm most certainly not condoning that, or the lack of effort by people more recently to deal with it properly. It just shows that they were/are weak and ineffectual and not worthy of respect or their position in society.

Have you read the Makin report? The people who covered up the abuse knew exactly what they were doing, and knew exactly what they should have done.

There are so many men still like this
I despair it will ever change
Very very depressing

I saw a little part of this ceremony.. I was also struck by the woman with her head down looking most discomforted.. I think women are definitely the way forward for the church..

We've had a very long thread on the Makin report already and it's clear as I already sad there are 30 or so people who need calling out badly. Unless the police get involved, I'm not sure of the means by which this can be done within the C or E, does anyone know?

Welby's speech was appalling: it could have been so very different. I wouldn't expect him to name names but had expected remorse, sadness, regret, and a pledge to those who were abused.

pascal30

I saw a little part of this ceremony.. I was also struck by the woman with her head down looking most discomforted.. I think women are definitely the way forward for the church..

That lady was the Bishop of London, pascal30. She was the only female Bishop and the only one to look appalled. I agree with you when you say women are the way forward.

Parsley3

I saw it too and was astonished by his lighthearted tone. He more or less said that he a scapegoat. There was much chuckling in the male ranks but the Bishop with her head in her hands said it all for me.

Totally agree Parsley3 He was actually smirking at one point. Unfit to hold that rank or indeed any rank within the church.

Sarnia

pascal30

I saw a little part of this ceremony.. I was also struck by the woman with her head down looking most discomforted.. I think women are definitely the way forward for the church..

That lady was the Bishop of London, pascal30. She was the only female Bishop and the only one to look appalled. I agree with you when you say women are the way forward.

They've stood up and stood out 👏👏

Wyllow3

The Smythe issue will not be resolved until people feel that the 30 or so senior people named as "should have taken action" have been called to account. From the outside, it’s hard to see whats happening on this.