A pastoral letter to the clergy and people of the Diocese of Liverpool

Like you we were shocked and saddened by the allegations broadcast by Channel Four News tonight. We recognise how difficult this will have been for people across our diocese to hear and we all need time to take stock.

As leaders in the Diocese of Liverpool we want our diocese and our churches to be places where everyone is and feels safe. We know all our churches are committed to the best possible safeguarding practice, and to upholding the dignity of all people, which is why the allegations set out by Channel Four are so upsetting.

We understand that some of allegations against the Bishop of Liverpool have been investigated and found unsubstantiated by the National Safeguarding Team. We are aware the police in Essex have taken no action with regard to one allegation. However, we understand that an allegation of misconduct was not fully investigated, and we believe that in the interests of justice this should now happen.

Above all we recognise that this will be a shock and surprise to many. Some will be angry and some will feel let down. We are available for those who wish to talk and encourage anyone who is a victim of abuse to report it so it can be properly investigated.

Over the next few days and weeks we will need to decide how we move forward together as a diocese. We have a great deal of work to do. It is through all the people of our churches and parishes that God is working to deliver the mission of the church, to feed the poor, heal the sick and sustain the spirit as we seek to worship our loving God. We pray for you as you continue to do God’s work in the places you are called to be, in the face of this news.

As flawed human beings we are held together in the love of God. It is Christ’s church, and Jesus is the great high priest that sustains us and loves us. These are difficult times for the Diocese of Liverpool and we need to come together to create a safe church, a place where we can love and serve the Lord.

Debra Walker, Chair of the House of Laity
Peter Dawkin, Chair of the House of Clergy
Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool
Pete Spiers, Archdeacon of Knowsley & Sefton
Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, Archdeacon of Liverpool
Simon Fisher, Archdeacon of St Helens and Warrington