Following the release of the BBC Radio 4 File on Four programme, focussing on the abuse committed by former Rector David Tudor, I express my profound sadness and shame. I commend the courage of the survivors who came forward to share their experience and therefore enabled the process which led to the offender’s removal.
I reiterate my gratitude to our Parish Safeguarding Officers, churchwardens, and the many volunteers across the diocese of Bristol. Their hard work in making our churches safe places has been recognised by the recent INEQE audit report.
I am also very relieved that stronger guidance and legal frameworks now offer Diocesan Bishops clearer and more effective pathways for addressing safeguarding concerns.
Now, more than ever, the leadership of the whole Church of England must continue working together with determination and care to provide robust support for survivors of abuse, and ensure safeguarding remains at the heart of our ministry.
Vivienne Faull,
Bishop of Bristol
A personal statement from Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York in response to the BBC R4 File on Four programme - David Tudor
The situation I faced when I became Bishop of Chelmsford, was horrible and intolerable – most of all for the survivors and victims who had bravely come forward and shared their stories from the 1980s.
This morning’s news coverage incorrectly implies that no action was taken until 2024. That is not the case. In my capacity as Bishop of Chelmsford, I suspended David Tudor from office at the first opportunity, when a new victim came forward to the police in 2019. Up until 2019, there were no legal grounds to take alternative action.
When I joined the Chelmsford diocese in 2010, I worked closely with its very professional safeguarding team to ensure the risk was managed. But it was not possible to remove David Tudor from office until such time as fresh complaints were made, which happened when a victim bravely spoke to the police. Once this happened in 2019, I acted immediately. I suspended David Tudor from all ministry pending the investigation and subsequent tribunal hearing in which he was removed from office and prohibited from ministry for life.
I am deeply sorry that we were not able to take action earlier, but that was the situation I inherited. It is extremely disappointing that this story is being reported as if it was an abuser being ignored or even protected. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. And to present it this way only re-traumatises already hurt people. The situation with David Tudor was an awful situation to live with and to manage and has meant many people suffering as a result. I want victims and survivors to know that everything was done to understand, assess and manage the risk. I also want them to know that I fully welcome the outcome of the Tribunal in October 2024.
Following David Tudor’s five years of suspension from ministry in 1988, the process at that time did not prevent him from returning to ministry in the Diocese of Southwark in 1994. Changes to the way safeguarding is now managed and scrutinised would mean the decision taken in 1988 would not take place now. But it did then.
The Church of England now needs independent scrutiny of safeguarding so that those who do have understandable frustrations and concerns can have their voices heard and those of us who have responsibility for managing these situations can be helped to avoid them and resolve them. I have publicly supported this for many years. I pledge myself to do what I can to achieve it.
Stephen Cottrell
Archbishop of York