(ZENIT News / London, 12.19.2024).- The Church of England (anglicans) finds itself once again embroiled in scandal as Lord George Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, steps down as a priest following revelations of his role in reinstating a clergyman accused of sexual abuse. At the age of 89, Carey’s resignation marks the ignoble end of a 60-year clerical career, overshadowed by allegations of negligence and complicity.
A Controversial Decision Resurfaces
The controversy centers on Carey’s advocacy for David Tudor, an Anglican priest suspended in the 1980s for sexually abusing multiple teenagers. In 1993, Carey, then Archbishop of Canterbury, supported Tudor’s return to ministry under supervision—a decision the Church now admits was a grave mistake.
Leaked documents show that Carey went beyond advocacy, facilitating Tudor’s reinstatement by removing his name from the central list of disciplined clergy. This act enabled Tudor to resume pastoral duties, albeit under restrictions that barred him from being alone with minors.
“Deeply Flawed Judgments”
The Church of England has condemned Carey’s actions as “deeply flawed,” acknowledging the inadequate safeguards that allowed Tudor to continue serving in ministry for decades. Despite restrictions, Tudor’s pastoral presence posed ongoing risks. He was finally removed from ministry in October after admitting to “inappropriate sexual behavior.”
Critics argue that Carey’s decision to reinstate Tudor prioritized institutional preservation over the welfare of victims. One survivor, Rachel Ford, described Tudor as “prone to inappropriate touching” and slammed the Church’s response as “utterly devoid of empathy.”
A Chain of Accountability
Carey’s resignation also casts a harsh light on current Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, who has faced scrutiny for his handling of the Tudor case during his tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford. Cottrell, aware of Tudor’s restrictions since 2010, permitted the disgraced priest to continue ministering and even supported his appointment as honorary canon of Chelmsford Cathedral.
Cottrell has since expressed profound regret, stating, “I am deeply sorry for not acting sooner.” However, survivors and advocates have criticized his explanation, arguing that legal limitations should not have excused inaction.
A Pattern of Institutional Failure
The scandal surrounding Carey follows the resignation of another former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who stepped down last month amid separate allegations of mishandling abuse cases. Welby, too, faced accusations of inaction and systemic failures to address misconduct within the Church.
During his tenure, Welby acknowledged that the Church had failed its most vulnerable members, stating, “We grievously neglected our duty of care, and I am profoundly sorry.” Yet his admission did little to satisfy critics, who accused Church leaders of fostering a culture of cover-ups and complacency.
The Impact on the Anglican Church’s Credibility
These cascading scandals have further eroded trust in the Church of England. Survivors and advocates demand meaningful reforms to ensure that safeguarding measures are more than perfunctory. Many argue that the Church’s repeated failures to prioritize victims over institutional reputation have left deep scars on its moral credibility.
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