The Diocese of Rochester has passed a vote of no confidence in the Archbishops’ Council, in wake of scandals around safeguarding.
The Archbishops’ Council became responsible for safeguarding in April 2003. It commissioned the Makin Review, which exposed grave abuse of boys by the late barrister John Smyth, at Christian-run camps.
The Makin Review found that at several levels, those with power and influence over safeguarding failed to properly report Smyth.
The Diocese of Rochester spans Medway, north and west Kent, and the London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley.
Its Diocesan Synod met on Saturday 7th December.
Rev Nathan Ward, Vicar of St Margaret's Rainham, brought a motion calling for “necessary reforms to be taken to restore trust, safeguard the vulnerable, and uphold the Church’s moral and legal responsibilities”.
Rev Ward told ITV Meridian: "This decision reflects the Synod’s grave concerns regarding the findings of multiple independent reports highlighting safeguarding failures and systemic issues within the Church of England.
"This motion is not a call for condemnation but a humble acknowledgment of the Church’s shared responsibility to protect the vulnerable and rebuild trust.
"We call upon the Archbishops’ Council to undertake urgent and meaningful reforms, as recommended by the reports, to ensure accountability, professionalism, and transparency in safeguarding.
"As members of the body of Christ, we remain committed to advocating for a Church that is safe, inclusive, and responsive to those it serves."
The Bishop of Rochester said the council must be reformed after the Archbishop of Canterbury announced his resignation in November.