Archbishop Welby sorry for abuse-accused bishop comment

The Archbishop of Canterbury has apologised for saying a "significant cloud" hung over the name of the late bishop of Chichester.

In 1995, a woman alleged the Rt Rev George Bell, who died in 1958, had sexually abused her when she was a girl.

The police were called in only after she wrote to the archbishop, the Most Rev Justin Welby, in 2013.

The Church settled with her out of court, in 2015, and issued an apology.

However, a review of the case, in 2017, said the Church had "rushed to judgement" in assuming Bishop Bell's guilt.

'Taken seriously'

On Wednesday, Archbishop Welby released a personal statement, saying he did not "consider there to be a 'significant cloud' over Bishop George Bell's name".

While insisting allegations of abuse "must be taken seriously", he added, "we also owe a duty of care to those who are accused".

Bishop Bell was bishop of Chichester from 1929 until his death, in 1958, and was praised for his criticism of the RAF bombing of German civilians in World War Two.

He also played a part in organising the Kindertransport rescue, of Jewish children from the Nazis.

He was later honoured with an official Anglican holy day dedicated to his life.

In 1995, a woman alleged Bishop Bell had abused her when she was a little girl - but that claim was not initially investigated.

In 2013, the complainant, known only as Carol, wrote to Archbishop Welby and the matter was referred to the police.

The Rt Rev George Bell was bishop of Chichester from 1929 until his death, in 1958

In 2015, the Church of England paid £16,800 in an out-of-court settlement and apologised.

However a review, in 2017, by Lord Carlile QC, criticised the Church for a "rush to judgement" in assuming Bishop Bell's guilt and said it had not been fair to both sides.

The bishop had been "hung out to dry" and the "truth of what Carol was saying was implicitly accepted without serious investigation or inquiry", Lord Carlile said.

However, in the aftermath of Lord Carlile's report, Archbishop Welby refused to exonerate Bishop Bell and said, in January 2018, a "significant cloud is left over his name".

"Bishop Bell was in many ways a hero. He is also accused of great wickedness. No human being is entirely good or bad," Archbishop Welby said at the time.

Later in 2018, the Church said publicly it had referred "fresh information" to Sussex Police. A subsequent review said there was no evidence behind these latest claims.

'Debt owed'

In Wednesday's personal statement, Archbishop Welby said the "Church is on a journey of thoroughgoing repentance" for previously ignoring claims of abuse.

"This is why the posthumous allegations made against Bishop George Bell were taken seriously and investigated fully," he said.

"What I say today that is new and should have been said sooner is this, 'I do not consider there to be a 'significant cloud' over Bishop George Bell's name.'

"Previously, I refused to retract that statement and I was wrong to do so. I took that view because of the importance we rightly place on listening to those who come forward with allegations of abuse and the duty of care we owe to them.

"But we also owe a duty of care to those who are accused. I apologise for the hurt that my refusal to retract that statement has caused to Bishop Bell's surviving relatives, colleagues and longstanding supporters.

"They have all raised this issue, often powerfully, and I have recognised my error as a result of their advocacy."

Archbishop Welby praised Bishop Bell as "one of the most courageous, distinguished Anglican bishops of the past century".

"The debt owed to him extends far beyond the Church that he served and is one that we share as a society," he said.

"I am delighted that the statue to him that was planned will be erected on the west front of Canterbury Cathedral."