Dear Editor,
Your report ‘Fulwood says: “We are sorry”’ (en September 2022), sadly reveals not only past wrongs but also an ongoing failure to put the interests of victims first.
The ‘culture of secrecy’ you mention continues to frustrate justice: the statement from Fulwood is its first public comment on its failings, was issued only in response to a press report, and alludes to ‘the circumstances described in the thirtyone:eight report’ without clarifying their extent or nature.
Unlike some other high-profile investigations, full details of the Fulwood enquiries have been restricted to church council members and a handful of others. I understand the findings are unambiguous and were disclosed to congregational meetings verbally last autumn. However, the failure for a long time to recognise the abuse which occurred in 2018 as a safeguarding issue, delays since 2019 in investigating and reporting, and the failure since summer 2021 to publicise the findings more openly, have compounded the harm suffered by the victim and her family, with whom I have had longstanding pastoral involvement. They have also prolonged the distress these tragic events have brought to many individuals and churches.
This lack of transparency allows ‘false narratives’ to circulate about events and resignations at Fulwood, to the detriment of all involved. It also leaves unresolved the question whether those who were responsible for these failings have been identified, held to account, and encouraged to repent in a manner appropriate both to the wrongs committed and to their ministerial responsibilities. And enables harmfully ambiguous language – such as ‘inappropriate relationship’ in your report – to be used to describe abuse arising from an imbalance of power. All of this deprives victims of justice, makes them fearful, and undermines trust.
Much more could be said. Of course it is distressing to hear of such failings in a church known for so long for its faithfulness to the gospel, and whose leaders have been held in high regard. But if evangelicals care about victims, and long to learn how better to care for and safeguard people in churches, we need to be honest and transparent, and to ‘seek justice’ fearlessly and compassionately when things go wrong. Healthy Biblical church discipline demands no less. More, it is vital if we are to honour the Lord of the church, and to preach the gospel with humble integrity in the days ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Ackroyd Bedford
