Incoming Archbishop of York 'extremely sorry' over handling of priest domestic abuse allegation

The allegations came to light after concerns were raised with the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team earlier this year and an investigation into the handling of the case by Bishop Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York Elect, was launched.

The Right Reverend Cottrell, who is due to be formally confirmed as the 98th Archbishop of York in a virtual service next Thursday, was cleared of any wrong-doing - but the investigation into the original allegations and their handling is still ongoing.

The allegations date back to before he became Bishop of Chelmsford in 2010, and at a time when he was “moving between roles”.

After meeting the survivor and hearing “what was a difficult and harrowing story” he spoke to colleagues about actions that needs to be taken “but failed to ensure that these were properly documented and followed through in the way I would expect”, he said.

“Now that I have discovered that this incident was not followed up as it should have been, I am deeply distressed and extremely sorry,” the Rt Rev Cottrell said. “Because this has recently come to light, I am both thankful that it is being addressed properly now, but also mindful that in my new position as Archbishop of York it is absolutely essential that I am open and transparent about the need for the whole of our church to be scrupulously honest with each other about any failings in safeguarding.”

The Rt Rev Cottrell said the Church had “been too quick to protect its own reputation and slow to admit its failings” in the past.

“This must change, he said. “Those in public office should be subject to scrutiny. Good safeguarding is an absolute priority for the Church of England and for me personally.”

He said he was “embarrassed” that he did not follow up the allegation scrupulously and that he wanted to “go on the record” about what happened in order to demonstrate a new spirit of openness and transparency.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby said he had read independent legal advice on the matter and that the Rt Rev Cottrell “clearly should have informed the authorities and made fuller notes of what he did in this case”.

“He has shown humility in immediately admitting he failed to act as he should have done in this case, when the matter was raised with him by the NST this year,” the Archbishop said. “He has also said so publicly. I am also reassured that he did refer it on and saw the significance of offering support and contacting the survivor who must always be the priority.”

A statement from the National Safeguarding Team said the Rt Rev Cottrell had shown “insight and humility” in accepting that he failed to act as he should have done in relation to the “serious matter”.

It said: “The NST investigation concluded that he posed no current risk of not responding appropriately to safeguarding disclosures and that informal action was a reasonable and proportionate response to the case.”

Read Tuesday’s Yorkshire Post for a full interview with the Rt Rev Cottrell on the matter.