Over the last two nights, BBC2 broadcast Exposed: The Church's Darkest Secret, which looked at the sexual abuse carried out by the former Bishop of Gloucester, Peter Ball, and the attempts to bring him to justice.
We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we take safeguarding seriously in the Diocese of Bristol. If anybody was affected by this programme, please contact our Diocesan Safeguarding Team on 0117 906 0100. They can also be emailed via safeguarding@bristoldiocese.org.
We recognise that this option may not feel safe for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the Church. A dedicated telephone helpline, operating independently from the Church, has therefore been set up. The number is 0800 80 20 20 and is being run by the NSPCC Helpline for Children and Adults.