Bishop urges victims of abuse to speak out
INDEPENDENT REVIEW IS UNDER WAY
THE Bishop of Leicester has urged victims of sexual abuse within the Church of England to come forward.
The Rt Rev Martyn Snow, pictured, said “survivors must be heard” as part of a nationwide independent review of all clergy and church officers’ backgrounds.
Past Cases Review 2 is looking at matters relating to past cases of sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults by clergy or church officers.
Bishop Martyn said: “As a Church we want to welcome all and listen to all. Survivors are a key part of the Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2) and must be heard.
“This review, and safeguarding generally, is an integral part of our mission in churches across Leicestershire.”
A Church of England spokesman said: “There is an open invitation to come forward with information or make a new disclosure regarding Church-related abuse.
“A group of independent reviewers are working with the diocesan safeguarding team to go over the diocese’s files and a reference group including an independent chairman as well as safeguarding experts from the local authority and victim support charity backgrounds are involved.
“The work is extensive and was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2020, but due to delays caused by the pandemic, we now aim to have work completed by the end of 2021.
Every parish is being contacted to check all known safeguarding concerns about clergy and officers have been reported to the diocesan safeguarding team.
Bishop Mark Sowerby, chairman of the national review management board, said: “The Church is committed to ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard.
“As a Church we must pray for all those involved, particularly survivors who may be reminded of their abuse, remembering that the effects of abuse are lifelong.”
Details on how to find out more or to contribute to the review can be found on the Diocese of Leicester website.
People can also contact a dedicated helpline operated independently from the Church by the NSPCC on 0800 80 20 20.