UNITED KINGDOM
Archbishop of Canterbury
Thursday 14th February 2013
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has issued the following statement after the sentencing of Robert Coles at Brighton Crown Court today.
I have read details of this case sent to me by the Diocese of Chichester and the Commissaries who were appointed by Bishop Rowan. My first concern is always for those whose lives have been affected in any way by cases of abuse within the Church of England and I am appalled by the details of today’s case. The systems designed to protect the survivors clearly failed, their vulnerability was taken advantage of, and their lives have been deeply and in some cases permanently affected, as have the lives of those who love them.
I believe that the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults should be the highest priority of all parts of the Church, and that any failings in this area must be immediately reported to the police. There are no excuses for shortcomings.
I repeat what I have said before and, on behalf of the Church, apologise with deep grief for the betrayals and failings that occurred.
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