In a sobering assembly aimed at renouncing past transgressions, Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, acknowledged the profound missteps within the Church of England, expressing that “trust has been broken”. His remarks set the tone for the General Synod’s proceedings, where the discussions would focus primarily on the urgent need for reform in safeguarding practices, long overdue in light of numerous child abuse cases.

The candid admissions from Cottrell were sparked by pointed criticism from Bishop Helen Ann-Hartley, who remarked that he was the “wrong person” to instigate the necessary changes. Alarmingly, a recent BBC investigation unearthed that Cottrell had permitted a priest, David Tudor, to retain his position even while knowing he was forbidden from unsupervised contact with minors—a decision that has been rightfully condemned by many as deeply troubling.

This session of the General Synod was marked by a vote that failed to halt Cottrell from delivering his opening address, with 239 members opposing the motion to oust him, juxtaposed against only 73 in favor. This outcome reflects an institutional reluctance to fully confront its shortcomings when it comes to safeguarding, a stance echoed by {“Church of England considers independent safeguarding after abuse cover-up scandal”} (https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/church-england-considers-independent-safeguarding-after-abuse-cover-up-scandal-2025-01-23/) detailing that systemic changes are critical.

Victims of abuse, advocates, and churches alike have increasingly voiced a demand for safeguarding reform, underscoring the complexity of these matters in a sphere that has often prioritized preservation of reputation over justice. As statistics reveal that approximately 73% of the General Synod members chose not to support the removal of Cottrell, there exists a powerful commentary on the challenges of instigating robust reform within an institution historically resistant to change.

Bishop Hartley, the first high-ranking cleric to call for the resignation of former Archbishop Justin Welby, has faced unwarranted backlash, branded by some as the “Bishop of Negativity” for speaking truths that others may find inconvenient. Her resolute stance for accountability highlights the difficult environment many clerics operate within, where fear of backlash curtails open dialogue regarding these critical issues.

Next steps for the Synod involve significant deliberations about reforming safeguarding measures, a conversation long overdue and of paramount importance in rebuilding trust with congregants and ensuring the church can finally address the deep-rooted scars left by systemic abuses. Recent findings by child safety expert Professor Alexis Jay critically emphasize that the Church of England’s safeguarding protocols fall short of expected standards, emphasizing the need for radical overhauls to meet or exceed those of comparable secular organizations.

As we reflect on these events, it is clear that the path forward requires not merely acknowledgment of the past but concrete action, transparency, and a commitment to accountability that prioritizes the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable.