Sentamu launches child abuse inquiry

Dr John Sentamu’s statement comes after his predecessor, Lord Hope of Thornes, denied suggestions he covered up allegations against Robert Waddington, a former Dean of Manchester Cathedral, who died from cancer five years ago.

The Times newspaper claimed Lord Hope, who was Archbishop of York between 1995 and 2005, was twice informed about allegations against Mr Waddington, who is said to have abused a chorister in Manchester in the 1980s and a school boy in Australia.

The paper said the former Archbishop spoke to Mr Waddington and banned him from taking services but did not report him to the police.

Dr Sentamu’s office said: “The Archbishop of York is in the process of setting up an Independent Inquiry specifically into the issues surrounding the reports relating to alleged child abuse by the late Robert Waddington.

“When any church related abuse comes to light the Church’s first concern must be for the victim
offering support and apologising for the abuse, acknowled-
ging that the effects can be
lifelong.

When the Inquiry makes its report the Archbishop will make its findings public.”

It said the church continued to review its child protection and safeguarding policies regularly.

Lord Hope said: “Throughout my time as bishop and archbishop I always adhered to the statutory practices of the Church of England concerning safeguarding. I strenuously deny (and am obviously disappointed at) the suggestion that myself or my team at the time would have acted negligently...”