AFP: Church of England orders child abuse inquiry
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has set up an inquiry in Chichester diocese in southern England, reportedly after allegations that paedophile priests were allowed to continue working despite being accused of sexual abuse.
The archbishop’s decision to investigate the diocese will throw the spotlight on abuse by clergy in the Church of England, raising an issue which has already rocked the Catholic Church in a number of countries.
A statement late on Thursday from the archbishop’s Lambeth Palace residence said the inquiry had been launched “in response to concerns within the diocese” but declined to expand on the background to the fears.
Current child protection arrangements within the diocese will be scrutinised and recommendations on future conduct will be made.