Accused of inaction over abuse, the Anglican Church apologizes
The Anglican Church apologizes after an investigation implicated the church. Andrew Hindley, a priest from northwest England, remained in his position from 1991 to 2021 despite repeated accusations against him. He was even offered nearly €280,000 in 2022 to leave.
Already accused of inaction in dealing with child sexual within the clergy, the Church of England once again promised to strengthen its procedures for handling such cases after it was implicated by a BBC investigation.
According to the BBC, Andrew Hindley remained a priest in Blackburn from 1991 to 2021 despite repeated accusations regarding his behavior, which were well-known within the institution.
A sum of money to leave
According to the public broadcaster, Hindley was offered £240,000 (approximately €280,000) in 2022 to leave. The exact amount he received is not known due to confidentiality reasons.
“We are sincerely sorry that survivors did not receive the necessary support from the church,” said the church's two highest dignitaries, Archbishops Justin Welby of Canterbury and Steven Cottrell of York,
in a statement. “We are absolutely convinced that there is no place in the clergy for those who pose a risk to others,” they added.
The church confirmed that a sum had been paid to settle a lawsuit filed by the priest following his removal, which was decided in 2021. It emphasized the “complexity” of the case involving its former priest, who maintains his innocence and, according to the BBC, claims to be a victim of homophobia and personal vendettas.
Multiple police investigations
According to the public broadcaster, Hindley was the subject of five police investigations between 1991 and 2018, including two for sexual assaults on minors, but none resulted in charges.
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