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Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
UK News

Justin Welby: Must address culture of silence on abuse

by Antony Bushfield

Most Rev Justin Welby said there is a culture to tell abuse survivors to "be quiet" and "keep them away from the love of Christ".

Writing in the Crucible, a journal of Christian social ethics, Archbishop Justin said the culture had become apparent for a variety of reasons.

There was an inability to believe what is being said, he said, adding that some of the Church's legal process suggest historic abuse was so long ago it couldn't be addressed.

"Then there is the sheer bitter frustration that comes from survivors themselves who have had to endure the pain of disclosure and then been ignored," he said.

There is "absolutely no excuse for not facing" the abuse some people have faced in the Church.

It is "vital" to address the culture of "silencing", he said, and that "failure to do so is a form of abuse for the second time" is "as bad, if not worse, than the first betrayal".

He added: "We have to go back to first principles, which is to let Jesus be heard through us.

CC

"That means being compassionate and attentive to those who have been abused and sinned against.

"It means being far, far more attentive to their pastoral care and the establishment of ways in which they can feel safe to tell their story and be listened to.

"Yes we have to be rigorous, and responsible in ensuring the Church is a place safe for all, but that is only half the story if we fail to take seriously and to listen to those who have been abused by those who minister in the Church or through Church organisations."

Archbishop Justin concluded that he continues to offer "profound sorrow, and deep apology" to survivors.

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