Why are we still allowing the Church of England or the Catholic church to “police” themselves (The Observer view on the Church of England: how does it recover after its annus horribilis?, Editorial). The likes of Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell should not have been allowed to resign; they should have been removed from their posts, very publicly, and stripped of their titles and all the accoutrements that come with them – including pensions.
By not speaking out, and by covering the abhorrent behaviour of the abusers, they were complicit in these acts. If the church is struggling to find “harmless bishops”, then there is all the more urgency to get these people investigated. There should be an open, independent review into all the churches’ leaders, priests, vicars – starting from the top down. Wheedle out those who have been put on a quiet “retreat” – those who have gone under the radar – no matter the age.
