Church of England accused of turning blind eye to priests’ abuse of their wives

LONDON (ENGLAND)
The Telegraph

Women claim disciplinary procedure failed them after abuse and violence at the hands of their clergymen husbands

July 10, 2020

By Daniel Foggo and Katherine Rushton

The Church of England has been accused of dismissing or ignoring serious complaints about priests’ conduct which are being made by their own wives.

An investigation by The Telegraph has identified instances where Church authorities failed to take action over allegations including sexual abuse, domestic violence and adultery, even when handed apparently compelling evidence.

On Friday evening one of the women who accused her husband of rape and marital violence said the Church was “turning a blind eye to abuse and immorality in its own ranks”.

She said: “They have absolutely been ignoring abuse. The clergy just want to protect themselves. They cover for each other and it comes from the top down.”

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