Church of England Initiates Inquiry into Handling of Former Rector’s Abuse Allegations
An independent review has been launched by the Church of England to scrutinize its response to the case of David Tudor, a former Rector in the Chelmsford Diocese. Tudor was removed from ministry indefinitely after conceding the truth of sexual abuse allegations leveled against him.
The Safeguarding Practice Review (SPR), led by Sue Williams, a former commander from the Metropolitan Police, will focus on the allegations against Tudor. It aims to evaluate the Church’s response, particularly in terms of its engagement with victims and survivors.
With a 46-year tenure within the Church of England, Tudor was ultimately prohibited from continuing his ministry in October 2024.
A BBC report revealed that Tudor faced two trials for indecent assault on minors under 16, dating back to 1988. The first trial ended in acquittal, although Tudor admitted to having sexual relations with a 16-year-old. In the subsequent trial, he was convicted of indecently assaulting three schoolgirls and served a six-month prison term. This conviction was later overturned due to jury misdirection by the judge.
After a five-year suspension, Tudor returned to serve as a vicar in Canvey Island. In 2005, the Chelmsford Diocese suspended him following a complaint about his conduct before his ordination in the 1970s.
The BBC has reported that Tudor faces accusations from seven individuals. The Church reportedly compensated one accuser with a six-figure settlement in 2019.
In response to the SPR’s findings, the Church promises “appropriate action” for any identified shortcomings.
Calls for the resignation of Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York and interim head of the Church, have emerged. Critics cite his decision to allow Tudor to continue in a clerical role despite being aware of his past and his ban from working with minors.
The Archbishop asserts that Tudor was removed as soon as legally feasible in 2019. A spokesperson admitted that the handling of the Tudor case “could have been handled differently”.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
