Anglican Church hit by new abuse row in UK

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, set to temporarily lead the Church of England in the new year, is facing mounting criticism over his handling of a past sexual abuse case.

Cottrell, the Anglican Church's second-highest-ranking cleric, is slated to take charge following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby stepped down last month after an independent report found he failed to report decades-old abuse allegations against a Church-linked lawyer in 2013.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide.AFP

Now, Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley has called for Cottrell’s resignation, claiming his handling of a separate abuse case "undermines his credibility."

Mishandling of Abuse Case

The controversy centers around Cottrell’s tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford when he was informed of allegations against Priest David Tudor, who had a history of abuse accusations. Tudor was acquitted in one 1988 trial but admitted to having sexual relations with a 16-year-old girl. In another case, he was convicted of indecently assaulting three girls, though the conviction was later overturned on a technicality.

Despite being barred from working alone with children, Tudor continued in ministry and later served as an area dean overseeing 12 parishes.

Cottrell defended his actions Monday, stating he suspended Tudor in 2019 after a new victim came forward. He expressed regret, saying, “I am deeply sorry that we were not able to take action earlier,” but maintained his response adhered to legal constraints.

However, Hartley criticized this approach. “Any action... should have been vastly stronger than simply trying to manage a risk," she told the BBC.

Growing Scrutiny

The Church banned Tudor for life just two months ago, following a disciplinary tribunal's findings that his sexual relations with two girls constituted "grooming" and an "abuse of trust." At least seven women have since come forward alleging abuse by Tudor, according to the BBC.

Hartley argued that Cottrell’s past decisions raise questions about his ability to lead. “How can you have the moral and ethical authority to lead an institution with that?” she asked.

The Church of England has faced growing criticism over its handling of abuse cases, with the recent scandals casting a shadow on its leadership transition.