MPs have called for those selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury to be free from any involvement in "safeguarding failures of any kind".
The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), tasked with choosing Justin Welby’s successor, will announce its full membership next month. It will include the Archbishop of York (or a bishop elected by the House of Bishops), three representatives from the Diocese of Canterbury, and five from the wider Anglican Communion.
Rosie Duffield, the Independent MP for Canterbury, sought reassurances about the process after recent safeguarding failures in the Church of England.
Second Estates Church Commissioner and Labour MP Marsha de Cordova answered that the selection panel must "inspire confidence and trust" among victims, survivors, and the public.
Archbishop of York, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell recently admitted to "making mistakes" but vowed to "lead the change we all know we need" in safeguarding. He took over many of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s duties after a report on serial abuser John Smyth, which suggested Welby’s failure to report him may have hindered justice.
Archbishop Stephen has also faced criticism over his role in handling priest David Tudor, who remained in post despite being barred from unsupervised contact with children. In response, he said he inherited a "horrible and intolerable" situation and "acted immediately" when new complaints arose in 2019.
He has also "categorically rejected" claims he bullied a committee to secure John Perumbalath’s appointment as Bishop of Liverpool. Perumbalath resigned amid sexual assault and harassment allegations, which he denies.
Asking in the Commons, Duffield said: "Recent headlines about safeguarding failures have badly eroded trust in the Church... Does she agree that those selecting the next archbishop must not be implicated in any safeguarding failures?"
De Cordova agreed, stressing that the Church must hold those responsible for safeguarding failures accountable. "No one, no matter how senior, can be above scrutiny and accountability."
MPs will discuss safeguarding in the Churrch of England during a Commons debate on 3rd March. De Cordova also confirmed that senior Church members will hold a Q&A on safeguarding, encouraging MPs to attend.