BBC File on 4 investigates the failings of the Church of England in relation to abuse by David Tudor
BBC News and BBC File on 4 has aired their investigation into the church’s cover-up and protection of David Tudor, the former vicar who sexually abused young girls and who was only barred from ministry two months ago after he admitted historical sex abuse allegations relating to two girls.
David McClenaghan, Partner and Head of our Abuse team at BBK gave his thoughts to the BBC about the church’s conduct in covering up the abuse and talked about his previous case that led to a six-figure settlement with the church relating to Tudor’s abuse. You can read about and listen to the investigation here.
The BBC’s investigation has found that Mr Cottrell, as Bishop of Chelmsford, let David Tudor remain in post in the diocese despite knowing he had been barred by the Church from being alone with children and had paid compensation to a sexual abuse victim.
Mr Cottrell is meant to be taking over from Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby for a few months in the New Year, following Welby’s recent resignation due to his failure to report another prolific sexual abuser. Mr Cottrell himself is now being called on to resign.
A call for institutional reform
Justin Welby’s resignation was, at face value, a sign of accountability. As the spiritual leader of the Church of England, Welby’s leadership was under increasing scrutiny following revelations and reports that abuse within the Church had been mishandled for decades.
However, Welby’s resignation alone does not resolve the systemic issues that allowed abuse to thrive under the guise of religious authority. His departure, and the recent revelations about Cottrell’s conduct, highlights the urgent need for institutional change in how the Church responds to abuse, both in its past and its present.
While Welby’s resignation is symbolic, many survivors and advocates believe that the true test lies in what follows. The Church of England must now focus on implementing long-overdue reforms, addressing the deep-seated flaws in its safeguarding practices, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to justice for victims of abuse.
A chance to be heard
I am very proud of my client who bravely told her story as part of the BBC’s investigation piece aired on File on 4. My client was a student at St Bede’s Secondary School and was sexually abused from the age of 13 by Tudor who was the school’s Chaplain as well as the local vicar at St Matthew’s Church in Redhill.
Tudor’s abuse of our client has affected her life in a profound way over the years, forcing her to move out of the area where she grew up due to the shame she felt and not wanting anyone to know what had happened to her. She has lived with the symptoms of trauma for over 40 years.
Tudor, on the other hand, has enjoyed a long and successful career in the Church despite the Church’s knowledge of his abuse of young girls.
This investigation has given some of the victims of Tudor the chance to have their voices heard. This is a pivotal moment for them, which sadly many survivors of abuse will never experience.
Survivors of sexual abuse often feel abandoned and unsupported by the Church. The Church must prioritise creating safe, accessible, and empathetic systems for survivors to come forward and report abuse. This includes offering counselling services, legal assistance, and other forms of support to help them heal. The Church should also provide financial reparations for those who have been harmed, acknowledging the immense psychological and emotional trauma they have endured.
Options
If you have faced abuse in the Church, you are not alone, and you have legal options.
As the BBC has uncovered, there have been many failings within the Church and survivors have been let down.
We at BBK believe strongly in all members of society understanding and knowing their rights, and being given the support and voice that they are entitled to. If you have been affected by the BBC’s story, you can contact me using the details below.
