Abuse scandal triggers vote of no confidence in church leadership
by Kaya Burgess, The Times:
Diocesan synod decision paves the way for a similar motion to be put before the CofE’s national assembly.
A vote of no confidence in the Church of England’s most senior body of leaders and their ability to tackle child abuse has been passed amid anger in the pews over the handling of scandals.
A motion was tabled on Saturday in the church’s regional parliament in the diocese of Rochester declaring “no confidence in the Archbishops’ Council’s oversight of safeguarding”.
The council acts as an executive board for the church. Its members are the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, plus 19 others including priests, archdeacons, church commissioners and lay representatives. It is responsible for distributing money, drawing up legislation, overseeing the church’s governance and also ensuring the church is “a safe place for all, especially children and vulnerable adults”.
Justin Welby resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury after a report identified both personal and institutional failings in bringing John Smyth, an abusive Christian barrister, to justice.
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