The Work of Safer Churches
This week, news broke that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, resigned because he mishandled knowledge of sexual abuse in the Church of England. Specifically, as a new Archbishop he failed to take appropriate action in 2013 against a priest who had been accused of abusing more than 100 children and young men in the 1970’s and 80’s.
Recognizing that his actions had been insufficient and re-traumatizing, Archbishop Welby said this week, “I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down, I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse.”[i]
It is a sign of our tumultuous times that a bombshell announcement like this is not at the top of our newsfeeds, but it is momentous nonetheless. It is a reminder that, though sex and abuse scandals have caused vast harm to people in other denominations, we in the Episcopal Church Anglican Communion are far from immune.
His resignation, he hoped, signals our commitment to being a safer church. “Safe” means that, as a church, we will honor the dignity of every human being by creating spaces free from exploitation and hidden power dynamics. We recognize that our call to be the Body of Christ means gathering in a spaces of openness and vulnerability, spaces which, without intention and safeguards, can be exploited. Without intention and safeguards, the abuse that becomes possible can cause lifelong harm.
Trinity, and the Diocese of Ohio, are profoundly committed to safe church practices. This is work that is never complete, and Archbishop Welby’s resignation makes that reality all too clear.
I know for some reading, this kind of abuse is a real part of your personal story. Many of us, or the people we love, are victims of exploitation or abuse or assault and this news may well be re-traumatizing. Please reach out to me or Canon Adrienne if you are in need of support, or if you need someone else to talk to. Let us know how we can help you get connected to the support you need.
We gather as the church because, as members of the Body of Christ, we are a part of a coherent world view rooted not in exploitation, but in self-giving love. We are valued not for our bodies, but for the spark of divinity within us; sexual abuse shatters that coherence and is toxic for the whole Body. I give thanks for the Archbishop’s courage in stepping down while also grieving the pain caused by the admitted failure of our church leaders to use their power to promote healing.
Faithfully,
The Very Rev. Bernard J. Owens