The Church of England failed to protect children from sexual abuse, and created a culture where abusers “could hide”, a report has concluded.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse’s report says the Church’s failure to respond consistently to abuse victims added to their trauma.  The inquiry said the Church did not take allegations seriously and neglected the “physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of children and young people in favour of protecting its reputation” – which was in direct conflict with its mission “of love and care for the innocent and the vulnerable”.  It added that alleged perpetrators were often given more support than victims.  The Church said it felt “shame” over the failings detailed in the “shocking” report.  The BBC News report is available at https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54433295 while the full IICSA report is available here.