A statement from the Right Reverend Sarah Clark, Bishop of Jarrow and Acting Bishop of Durham, and the Very Reverend Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham following the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
“As the Acting Bishop of Durham and Dean of Durham our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been impacted by the abuse disclosed in the Makin Review. We lament the ways the church has not responded well both in the historic and more recent past. Safeguarding is the responsibility of us all, especially those of us in leadership positions. We understand and respect the Archbishop of Canterbury’s decision to resign and our prayers are with him and his family at this difficult time. In Durham Diocese we work to continually grow our safeguarding culture and accountability in all areas of church life as we seek to witness, however imperfectly, to Jesus Christ.”
If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by the publication of this report and want to talk to someone independently please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
In Durham Diocese, you can also contact our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Beth Miller at beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk or beth.miller@durham.anglican.org, or on 07968 034075