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Another bishop looking the wrong way

(44 Posts)
J52 Tue 17-Dec-24 09:33:38

Sarnia

For pity's sake appoint a woman. They seem to be the only ones with any scruples.

Having listened to Dr Helen- Anne Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle recently, I can only agree.

foxie48 Tue 17-Dec-24 08:59:08

I said in another thread that I believed that abusers were drawn to institutions that gave them power over and access to potential victims. Clearly this was understood as when Tudor was living in a Grace and Favour house next to where they held youth groups, they moved the youth groups! I found that incredible. TBH I still don't understand why defrocking was abolished if it left the church unable to get rid of sexual abusers. Surely there must be some sanctions available?

Sarnia Mon 16-Dec-24 23:03:16

For pity's sake appoint a woman. They seem to be the only ones with any scruples.

Ladyleftfieldlover Mon 16-Dec-24 22:33:26

Grandmadinosaur

Stephen Cottrell LLFL

Sorry! I was replying to someone further up the thread! I meant that Rowan Williams always appeared eminently trustworthy.

fancythat Mon 16-Dec-24 21:14:02

Titus 1:6-9
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
6 someone who is blameless, married only once,[a] whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. 7 For a bishop,[b] as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but he must be hospitable,[c] a lover of goodness, self-controlled, upright, devout, and restrained, 9 holding tightly to the trustworthy word of the teaching, so that he may be able both to exhort with sound instruction and to refute those who contradict it.

fancythat Mon 16-Dec-24 21:11:12

There is a Bible passage that desribes what is needed of someone in high position in the Church.

I will find it in the morning.

The c of e needs to find someone who fits God's requirements.

Iam64 Mon 16-Dec-24 20:52:13

Stephen Cottrell allowed priest David Tudor to remain in diocese despite being aware of his abusive past. He knew Tudor had paid compensation £10,000 to one of his victims, a woman he abused as a child. Another case where the abuser was not prosecuted after police investigation. Seven women have so far been identified as alleged victims of Tudor.

When appointed, the then Bishop of Chelmsford was told about Tudor’s records which included two criminal trials. He was acquired in the first trial but was convicted in the second for indecently assaulting three girls, given a six month sentence. The conviction quashed on technical grounds. He was banned by a Church tribunal for sexual misconduct in 1989 but allowed to return to his role after 5 years.
In 2005, Tudor was suspended as police investigated an allegation of historical abuse from the 1970
Mr Cottrell said he was unable to remove Tudor from the ministry as there were no complaints which were yet to be adjudicated upon. According to the Archbishop, it wasn’t until 2019 when a new allegation was made that ‘an opportunity to remove the risk ‘ arose.
The Church claims legal advice was until then, no further action could be taken.

The above is a summary from the article in today’s daily mail. There is much more but this gives the background imo. I’m with the Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley in believing Mr Cottrill should step down and should not stand in for the Archbishop of Canterbury.
As others have said, the hierarchy in the CofE begins to look like a men’s club, dominated by disregard for sexual abuse within its ranks

The Archbishop of York defended his actions

Grandmadinosaur Mon 16-Dec-24 19:32:07

Stephen Cottrell LLFL

Ladyleftfieldlover Mon 16-Dec-24 17:40:39

Rowan Williams?

Smileless2012 Mon 16-Dec-24 17:39:30

I agree Jaberwok and it's as disturbing as it is upsetting. Something needs to be done I just don't know what tchsad.

Oldbat1 Mon 16-Dec-24 17:39:23

Seems there is next to no integrity amongst the clergy.

Jaberwok Mon 16-Dec-24 17:36:55

I'm just staggered and very very saddened by all this appalling information coming out of the Anglican Church. Archbishop Welby seems under impression that it's all a bit of a lark, at least no one has used his head as a football!! Stand in (?) Archbishop of York, wringing his hands, apparently not able to expel this 'sinner' for 9 years??!! Therefore he, Archbishop cannot be guilty of a coverup, so, where does this leave the hierarchy? Is there any Archbishop who can truthfully fill this position? If you can't trust or believe in the most senior of Anglican leaders, there would seem to be no hope.

HelterSkelter1 Mon 16-Dec-24 17:04:50

I have just listened to the BBC radio 4 File on 4 Investigates programme on BBC Sounds and it is shocking.

This Archbishop must step down.

Oreo Mon 16-Dec-24 17:03:05

Any cases that now come to light make me wonder if they are just the tip of the iceberg?
Hard to believe that church elders, if that’s the correct name have more or less distributed slaps on the wrist then looked the other way instead of removing them from church posts.

JamesandJon33 Mon 16-Dec-24 16:56:24

On the news… the Archbishop of York walking along with his hands humbly clasped in front, and then lighting a candle. Who’s he trying to fool?. Just as bad as Archbishop of Canterbury. Sanctimonious lot

sodapop Mon 16-Dec-24 15:57:55

Such hypocrisy within the hierarchy of the Church. Very sad to think there is not someone more honest and with good moral standards to take over as Archbishop of Canterbury

eazybee Mon 16-Dec-24 15:50:32

I heard him talking immediately after the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and was not impressed, as he seemed to be making light of the reasons for his resignation.
Now I understand why.

HelterSkelter1 Mon 16-Dec-24 15:33:27

My error. .... another Archbishop.

HelterSkelter1 Mon 16-Dec-24 15:32:11

But he has said he is sorry....so that's OK. Not.