Church’s inquiry into abuse ‘flawed’
THE Church of England’s inquiry into historical allegations of sexual abuse was “flawed”, the author of a report has said.
It did not give a comprehensive picture of the problem and those conducting it refused to speak to survivors who wanted to tell their stories, said Sir Roger Singleton, who was asked by the Church to review its 2010 investigation.
“Attempts really to make the survey absolutely complete were flawed,” he added.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that in public statements the Church “downplayed negative aspects” of the Past Cases Review’s findings.
But former Barnardo’s boss Sir Roger, whose report is due out next month, said he found “no evidence whatsoever of a deliberate attempt to mislead”.
These criticisms have been taken very seriously and acted upon, and the House of Bishops have offered full support to implementing the recommendations in the report and any subsequent actions.
The review looked at more than 40,000 case files relating to allegations of abuse dating as far back as the 1950s and concluded just 13 cases of alleged child sexual abuse needed formal action.
However, survivors complained the report was inadequate and the Church commissioned Sir Roger’s independent investigation.
The Rt Rev Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath & Wells, and the CofE’s lead on safeguarding, said: “These criticisms have been taken very seriously and acted upon, and the House of Bishops have offered full support to implementing the recommendations in the report and any subsequent actions.”