Solicitor Fears Cover-up by Church on Abuse Case Priests

The Pannone
March 6, 2012

http://www.pannone.com/media/press-releases/2012/solicitor-fears-cover-up-by-church-on-abuse-case-priests

A leading solicitor has voiced fears that the Church of England will put obstacles in the way of discovering the truth about allegations of abuse against two of its priests in Eastbourne.

Alan Collins, a specialist in abuse cases at the London office of law firm Pannone, says he has noted a change in the way the Church deals with abuse cases. “In the past the Anglican Church has been willing to face any problems and allegations of abuse honestly and openly. I’m sure it would say that its policy is still one of tackling problems in this way and compensating victims properly. However recent evidence is that the Church of England is, perhaps, taking a similar line to the Catholic Church in such matters by hiding behind legal technicalities and even denying any abuse took place. This may be to avoid paying compensation to victims and if that is the case, it is regrettable and reprehensible. I would urge the Anglican Church to cooperate fully on investigations.”

He added, "The challenge facing the Church of England is one that it is having to meet not just here in the UK but Australia too. The wider Anglican Communion has faced allegations of cover-ups in Australia with senior clergy becoming embroiled in controversy, leading to fears that it would row back on reporting allegations of child abuse to the police"

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