James O'Brien discusses why the Archbishop of Canterbury failed to address child abuse scandal | LBC

[@motelghost477]

I say this as a devout Christian - when protecting a church is more important than protecting a child, your faith is dead and worthless.

[@gerrycastlemanwarde5933]

he's a cult leader!

[@sashsash6679]

​@Norman-j7m no one asked

[@polmcsuibhne7657]

jesus did say ..suffer little children whom come onto me ....

[@honeyflower7754]

Bless you for acknowledging the value of moral truth versus institutional dogma. If only more people were of your ilk. Peace. 🕊️🙏

[@Khalkara]

All faith is dead and worthless. All faith inevitably leads to the needless harming of people.

[@meh.7539]

"Failed to Act" There is a word for that. "Complicit".

[@LL-vk9zc]

Actually, never even attempted to act. Not a failure but deliberate inaction.

[@JaggersLips]

@@meh.7539 also known as turning a blind eye

[@meh.7539]

@@LL-vk9zc yeah, complicit.

[@upon-fe2720]

It's the equivalent of keeping watching while your mate gives someone a hiding behind the bike sheds. He has blood on his hands. Resignation alone is an insult.

[@Carmen-nn1ru]

Like queen Elizabeth II COMPLICIT, she knew about this monster…smh!!

[@samh8]

In my opinion, if you cover up abuse, are silent after learning of abusive behaviour, or go out of your way to protect an abuser, you are equally as guilty as the abuser themselves!

[@BillyBobJoeSnr]

It does feel as if it becomes under the terms of accomplice in the crime. If the laws were changed to prosecute those who had knowingly participated in covering up this type of crime would be equally libel it may help some overcome their apathy towards being an active part of improving the whole of society.

[@beejj6190]

He's already gone - it's just waiting for the self -interested entitlement in this cabal to play out before the pressure proves too much. What a ---- !

[@kanedNunable]

used to be called aiding and abetting i think. they are complicit as you say.

[@kisherenow]

@@samh8 Exactly! You can’t ignore such situations but as a public school teacher trying to bring light to child abuse by a parent is hard to navigate.

[@TheNecroFrog]

Unfortunately I think the sad reality is that it’s much easier said than done. We all like to think that we would take the correct and necessary action if put into that situation but making an accusation of that nature has a hugely profound impact on the accuser and the accused, regardless of if the accused is guilty or not. I’m fortunate enough never to have been placed in that situation, and hope if I am I will take the right steps, but equally I recognise being in that situation is incredibly difficult and much more nuanced that most people would consider.

[@stewartdavis8618]

Resigning should be a given, he should also be charged with harbouring a criminal !!!

[@fatihsultanmehmed-o5c]

it seems its not a crime according to uk laws

[@shey2444]

He is totally complicit in Smythes crimes. Welby only follows the religion of self preservation.

[@TessTearoe-zp5xv]

He knew, it’s gut wrenching

[@philipeoverton]

As usual, MANY OTHERS KNEW this was happening and DID NOTHING. They were/are COMPLICIT. Some are STILL in positions of power in this 'church.'

[@fatihsultanmehmed-o5c]

@@philipeoverton i'l let u in on a secret, every second man is attracted to minors but no one will admit to it and its far worst than anyone could have imagined thats why it had gone on for this long

[@brianharris7243]

Hiding crimes is still a crime

[@fatihsultanmehmed-o5c]

apparently not as we can see

[@guyplessier7935]

I agree, just because the elite don’t want to prosecute is still a crime. Let’s not forget that all institutions are corrupt including political parties and mainstream media

[@matthenley3886]

Some people are more concerned with protecting the religion than they are protecting people.

[@neilsumner4575]

Spot on religion is poisonous 😞

[@stocktonjoans]

and those people are called priests

[@matthenley3886]

@ In this case yes but I have no doubt that those kinds of people exist within many religions.

[@stocktonjoans]

@@matthenley3886 I use "priest" in a casual context to mean any religious leader, they're all at it

[@OscarZimmermann-j7s]

It is a forged religion at that.

[@virtuallydeadrich]

How many more of these abuse stories do we need before we get rid of this horrific system?

[@vincentvangogh8092]

when the abusers get to regulate themselves its just an advert for abusers to join the church. My mother dropped her religion when the church abusers were discovered

[@StuntpilootStef]

It will only stop if we collectively realise these institutions aren't a net benefit to society.

[@JaggersLips]

Considering absolutely nothing is being done to protect Muslim girls from F.G.M I highly doubt anything will change.

[@killbotone6210]

As an Irish person I have no answer for you. We recently found the skeletal remains of over 100 dead babies buried next to a septic tank in a Mother and Baby home in Tuam. Guess who was running that home? Guess who still owes it's Irish victims 400m euro in legal compensation?

[@KodexxDj]

​@killbotone6210 100? 796 remains were found in tuam and I would bet my life savings there is more in bessborough in cork an st patricks boys home in dublin

[@richardrickford3028]

I was sexually abused at a well known boarding school by other boys. My father talked to the head master who said if my father was going to take public action against the school think of the further damage it would do to me. This is apparently a technique that is often used. So many boarding schools still I think care more about their reputations than they do about individual pupils being abused. Neither the house master nor the head master apologised to me that it happened on their watch. The house master knew some sort of bullying was going on but his ineffectual ways of trying to take action only made the bullying worse. I say this because Justin Wellby and a large number of other clergy went to boarding school. There is a convention there. A rule among the pupils that is so strong that breaking it is like breaking a taboo. No matter how bad abuse is towards yourself or someone you know by other boys or anyone else you do not blow the whistle. If you blow the whistle then you will be a shameful person for the whole of your stint at the school. People will out you. Boarding school pupils often have a survivor mentality which takes over their real and more emotionally vulnerable and intelligent self. After boarding school ends it does not neatly slip off. It is like a mask that is embedded into the structure of the face. I wonder if this survivor mentality complete with the powerful "blowing the whistle" taboo is part of the answer as to why Wellby and other clergy did not speak up and call in the police. Blowing the whistle and calling in the police would have been the non boarding school, morally grown up thing to do.

[@samh8]

@@richardrickford3028 I'm so sorry to hear of the abuse you have gone through, i hope you are getting all the help you need.

[@glamourgirl-n9b]

Generations of men who think abuse should be tolerated, because they’re powerless. Repeating the same tragedy, over and over.

[@richardrickford3028]

@@glamourgirl-n9b You make a very valid point here. Blowing the whistle also involves asking for help with a problem that is just simply impossible for you to deal with by yourself. I wish more men would realise asking for help is far far more likely to be a sign of strength than a sign of weakness. There are times when we all very much need to ask for help. To share what is deeply concerning us instead of bottling it up. As men we can be so petrified of seeming weak that we develop a macho image and persona. This machismo very ironically is what makes us weaker than we would otherwise be.

[@mickmchale1]

You my dear, are spot on 🤫🤫

[@christinethomas6763]

Rarely can one assume everyone else is not guilty of any behaviour that would be shaming if exposed, if only to ridicule. And just look at today's proliferation of social 'crimes' to see how exposure is used more manipulatively where the intent is far wanting to put right a past wrong. It beggars belief these days though that shunting the ongoing crime onto more dependent folk was less damaging to the institution's reputation was ever thought to be a valid 'let out' - even to oneself. Begs the question, where does ultimate loyalty lie, then and now.

[@maggieadams8600]

Why does the church protect the guilty at the expense of the innocent?

[@SomchaiSpeaks]

Quite simply there is a hierarchy club that must be protected at all costs and then there are the sheeple who donate money, turn up to tell club members how wonderful they are and count for nothing in the eyes of the club. It's a centuries old and well released cult that will continue until sheeple wake up, grow up and realise that religion is all vaporware.

[@chrisspellman8545]

Because they don't care 😂

[@Arah00012]

Religious organizations are about money, congregation numbers and politics.

[@catcoffee7958]

You mean the rich and well connected

[@andrewoliver8930]

Money and power.

[@prideofdurham4776]

The Devil looks after his own.

[@fatihsultanmehmed-o5c]

10/10 best answer so far...

[@melodymacken9788]

Absolutely 💯

[@metalthrashingmatt]

No such thing my friends..dont make them out to be demons or anything supernatural, these are people abusing people who they supposed to care for..its much worst than demons.

[@denisemahood9162]

It appears that the Archbishop did not merely make a mistake, he made a conscious choice. He made a conscious decision to protect a suspected child abuser. Im not sure if this can be viewed as a legal crime, but it is definitely a moral crime.

[@sashsash6679]

Those who stay silent are covering up for criminals. He needs to resign but also be penalised further. This is a major - crimes of this nature against children are the worst, and anyone involved or those who brush them under the carpet should be sentenced too!

[@deepoole820]

Who could ever have faith in our religious leaders if they won't take accountability.

[@mandyharewood886]

Nobody.

[@segue2ant395]

Faith is having confidence something is true despite the available evidence. It's the very crux of why religions are so dangerous. Those who can be made to believe falsehoods can be made to commit atrocities.

[@pansepot1490]

Religious leaders have never taken accountability and 2 thousands years later people still people believe in them. Frankly, that’s explains why trump was elected. If people like the lies they get told they keep having faith and accountability can go F itself.

[@stevenicol1]

gullible people.

[@ingredpaulson4530]

"It's called faith because it's not knowledge." ~ Christopher Hitchens

[@medievalladybird394]

Predators go where preying is easy.

[@chrisspellman8545]

Easy pickings at church! I mean the parents believe in fairytale's😂

[@sv9950]

Everyone who knew and chose to protect the abusers should have much harsher consequences than a resignation. Criminal prosecution should follow.

[@jonnyhuckerby2194]

Smacks of Paula Vennels to me. "I took, and will keep taking, the huge salary while claiming not to know absolutely everything that's happening in my establishment."

[@joancampbell9157]

And she was a priest of the Anglican Church as well. Denial seems to be part of religion. So much for truth.

[@SuseFishUK]

Thank you for sharing these confidences, James

[@izwiz1067]

My dad was brought up in a Catholic orphanage where abuse was rampant and some boys who were particularly 'unmanageable' simply disappeared . He was always sure they were buried in the orphanage grounds.

[@TessTearoe-zp5xv]

That happened in Canada to natives sent to residential schools. What a horror!

[@ABUoSUFYAN]

Imagine the amount of young boys right now being abused in these churches by these bishops and afraid to speak up, shocking

[@-ucanthandledatruth01-12]

Many of those Bishops grew up conditioned to receive such invasion of mind, body and soul (that's exactly what the essence of the Eurocentric essence is...to invade, disrupt, corrupt and exploit)

[@davidmake]

That is definitely not happening. Read the accounts.

[@JohnWerner-te5zy]

It's "number of young boys" not ""amount of young boys". Young boys are not homogeneous custard, they are individuals, and it is the failure to recognize this that leads to many an abuse.

[@ABUoSUFYAN]

@davidmake that's exactly what the arch bishop of Canterbury said since 2013, he has now resigned

[@Mikados_Advark12]

What proof have you got?

[@Mugairyuiai]

Hard to believe that there are still those that say we need religion for moral guidance.

[@pansepot1490]

The Big Lie. Keep repeating it often enough and people will believe it, regardless of facts or evidence.

[@RichWoods23]

Some will excuse those moral failures by claiming that the righteous were targeted for 'spiritual attack' (a few will flat-out say by demons or by Satan) and that those weakest in their faith succumbed. It's like they're still living in the Middle Ages.

[@cosmos237]

Have you ever met any atheists?

[@randomjasmicisrandom]

@@cosmos237yes

[@betperrins7528]

I think the New Testament of the Bible does provide moral guidance. Sadly religious institutions do not listen to that guidance.

[@wispie1]

When I look at the archbishop, I don’t see a godly man. Not surprised that he ignored all that goes on behind closed doors.

[@remainanonymous93]

This evil has been going on in the Church for decades. I bet every Archbishop has known what was going on but chose to cover it up and protect the abusers. Those Archbishops had plenty of Christianity in them and appeared very Godly too. They all knew. I have no doubt.

[@routeman680]

But he told us the Rwanda plan was ungodly. So he must have been godly. Virtue signalling at its finest.

[@fatihsultanmehmed-o5c]

whats that written on his forehead? a p then an e and a d ending with o?

[@LouiseBrooksBob]

One can only conclude that people must be selected for high office on the basis of their ability to "keep a lid on it."

[@Elwaves2925]

I'd add they likely participated too, which is a reason for them keeping a lid on it.

[@terryjacob8169]

Welby should be sacked and charged with perverting the course of justice.

[@HaydenCyclist]

He'll get a promotion.

[@iangascoigne8231]

He would only be guilty of that if he’d lied to the Police while being questioned.

[@nlwilson4892]

@@iangascoigne8231 There is however, an obligation in law for people in certain professions to report child abuse. If he was a teacher, that would certainly apply. I don't think they thought to write bishops into law, but he may still be covered in the broader description.

[@iangascoigne8231]

@@nlwilson4892 That wouldn't be perverting the course of justice though, would it? It also depends when the law you are talking about came into force and indeed if he comes under it..

[@nlwilson4892]

@@iangascoigne8231 Yes, it is a different offence, but I'm just saying that there may be criminal consequences. As teachers were covered and he is (was) in the second most senior position in the Church of England, that runs hundred (if not thousands) of schools, plus youth groups, you'd think he would be covered. The law has been strengthened since then which makes it quite difficult to find out what exactly was covered at that time.

[@leelohaskin7941]

Now you see why he was all but advocating for Prince Andrew to be forgiven🤔...

[@Haberdashery22]

True!!! I'm embarrassed to say that I'd almost forgotten about that .... Thank you!

[@maryannemelenka9250]

No that was Harry! Archbishop never said a word about Andrew. And that’s wrong too, if he talks about forgiveness of sinners. He should have spoken out from beginning, as King should have. Of course he could have said that in private too. We don’t know. Silence speaks volumes. Any lawyer I guess would say shut up. So maybe that’s why too. Remember though media covered up their sins of Saville, Schofied z, and probably others we don’t know about. So their hypocrisy is showing

[@DJDJ-fl2nv]

James an interesting debate as a retired ex-head of Children’s Services safeguarding, it was well know there is extensive ‘ covering up’ of organisational abuse of children...resulting in reputational damage to established systems within churches, police and others, those with very real power and influence...the line was always...’ let’s not scare the horses’ ... net result nothing went anywhere with abuse unaddressed...I struggle with that to this day...I blew the whistle on another ‘sensitive’ issue , and resigned as with many of these issues it gets ‘shut down’ !

[@dp7580]

Remember him preaching Israel’s right to self defence. I think he’s fine with a bit of criminality

[@oneoflokis]

💯💯

[@catcoffee7958]

And him refusing to meet the head Christian Palestinens churches,,he ignored his request😢

[@MohamedHassan-ni6un]

These are the connections I make. I don't judge all people or faiths based on an individual's actions. As @catcoffee7958 highlighted, he even refused to meet his fellow Christian. A victim of apartheid. My condolences to the families hurt by these monsters.

[@poppyrowland1385]

Apples and oranges. Your argument is flabby thinking. Shame on you.

[@dp7580]

@@poppyrowland1385not an argument though is it? It’s an observation. The only shame is that you think there’s an argument to be had which I think means you’re denying these things happened? Shame on who?

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

Thank you for this honest and courageous video. I gleaned from a post on KZbin (and cannot verify its truth) that a friend of Lyle Menendes committed suicide when he learned the nature and extent of the abuse visited upon his friend. The fact that he, as a child, had felt unable to help, gnawed at his conscience. The truly appalling level of abuse throughout society is frightening.

[@sharonramsey715]

To answer your question James, no one listens. First time I came across this was age 13 a priest who loved to be around the girls gym, it was well talked about amongst some of the girls. The head Nun announced from the assembly stage said “no one should says bad things about this holy man” end of that story. Many years later me now a young mum of an 8 year old boy found a filthy note in his lunch box. Head master about to retire said “well boys sometimes get up to mischief” I went to a solicitor and was told it will cost you your home if you try to take the educational library board to court and you will loose.

[@JohnWerner-te5zy]

We discussed this within my family and they all had anecdotes of similar occurrences with the common denominator being that the perpetrator was almost always a member of the clergy or, less often, a teacher, coach or scout leader and never a stranger.

[@sharonramsey715]

@ I agree, it’s always a person in authority. In the case of the clergy the church just seem to move them to another parish, and it all starts again. It’s disgusting.

[@stephfoxwell4620]

His uncle was Rab Butler the Tory Chancellor. His parents were both personal secretaries to Winston Churchill. Wonder how he got the gig as an Archbishop?

[@JoanKnott]

🤔 hm, I wonder.

[@ceriannalflorencina8297]

He was always an "old boys" appointment. He suited the then-Conservative government to the letter. He suits the upper wealthy of our society.

[@rb1062]

​@@ceriannalflorencina8297 He's WEF, too!

[@fatihsultanmehmed-o5c]

self explanetory isn't it after the facts...

[@pamelacox540]

Just yuck. No wonder the Church of England membership is tanking

[@CommanderFr3cklz]

If you are complicit you are just as bad. Criminal charges should be applied

[@saltynutzz]

Most men who cover up this kind of thing are in on it.

[@andrewoliver8930]

No one seems to have been arrested and charged based on Sir Jimmy Savile's lengthy time abusing kids. Methinks the police and high-ups know.

[@kisherenow]

Why do parents send their kids to serve in such predatory places

[@dedbatt8869]

They are naive of the dark triad types

[@JamesMc2051]

Faith!

[@chrisspellman8545]

Brainwashed 😢

[@Nilguiri]

Ignorance and gullibility-the same reasons they bought into the cynical practice of worse-than-useless 'religious faith' and became 'Christians' in the first place.

[@tractordamage5272]

@@dedbatt8869 Hmmm So you know all 'Dark Triad' studies are currently focused on the Left...yes? The Guardian has been called 'Narcissist Central' in Psychology for over 30 years. Justin Welby is a staunch Guardian reader. And Covert Narcs 'virtue signal' to mask the dark soul.

[@vicdelta31415]

This guy should not just resign and get away, he should rot in prison but millions of people will prefer him over the safety of children. Everyone who is a member of the Church of England should demand his arrest otherwise they are all complicit.

[@allisonsanders9347]

Very powerful James. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@31Blaize]

Sat here waiting for the people who scream about Muslim grooming gangs to start screaming about religious establishments with the same fervour.

[@Mark-wx4bw]

This disgusting behavior goes on in every religion,but some religions are very devious in the art of concealing the truth.

[@ishlatif2450]

Sick and disgusting people are just that.. they just happen to identify as a certain religion and use that as cover for their heinous and abhorant crimes

[@31Blaize]

@@ishlatif2450 Not questioning that. But the cover up is just as disturbing, and as we've seen numerous times, that is institution-based. Religion does not get a pass on this, particularly not if they are preaching moralism to others.

[@fatihsultanmehmed-o5c]

wont happen mate so lets double down on double standards with double the intensity...

[@Luxi975]

Where’s the keep our children safe brigades how come no riots oops mean protests outside churches???

[@veeli626]

They will protect him just like they are still protecting Andrew

[@denisechambers8950]

Thank you for sharing. You are not at fault James. In the past when children reported abuse, they were usually not believed.

[@h3ad_tv]

I don't leave my kids with anyone but my wife. Not even other family members, don't care.

[@andrewmay1299]

Eh?!

[@h3ad_tv]

@andrewmay1299 I can translate it for you in a different language if you'd like. What's your 2nd language?

[@faithpearlgenied-a5517]

​@@andrewmay1299What didn't you understand about that very simple comment?

[@flamingotwist]

how do you manage that?

[@yvonnesimpson4584]

Do you also home school your children?

[@rascalap2968]

Where is the King? He is Supreme Governor of the C of E! A king that cannot, or will not, act, is not a king…

[@nlwilson4892]

He's busy trying to get his pervert brother out of a royal mansion. Oddly enough, any other landlord in the country would have had him out long ago.

[@michaeladkins6]

Keeping a low profile until this goes away.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Where do you think the k.id.s go to?

[@andrewoliver8930]

His favourite uncle was mates with Sitr Jimmy and so was Charlie. He was mates with Peter Ball. Are you starting to suspect that the elites are covering it up?

[@cleggyclark6238]

Because he's Prince Andrews brother

[@thomasmorin749]

As head of the Church of England the King should sack him.

[@kimmcbride30]

You mean Saville's mate

[@DeloresSimms-o6y]

The very King also had friendship with the very type of people if you go back into the past

[@thomasmorin749]

@DeloresSimms-o6y Fair point. His history isn't exactly squeaky clean.

[@Elwaves2925]

@@DeloresSimms-o6y He's also protecting in his own house. Don't need to go back too far to see that.

[@DraftingandCrafting]

@@kimmcbride30 Andrew's brother.

[@barneyreichman127]

Who will take Welby's place? I suppose another one of the establishments chosen, the same establishment that put Welby there.

[@jmsunlinenet]

It will probably be Dawn French.

[@syhillahmed3824]

Get rid of the scrounging monarchy and the perverted clergy.

[@romystumpy1197]

I agree, it's falling out of fashion just like zeus did😂

[@faithpearlgenied-a5517]

If only :/

[@CosmicSeeker69]

And visa versa

[@belindamay8063]

@syhillahmed. That is pure opportunism. Shame on you.

[@brianhotaling5849]

Coaches, Scout leaders, Youth Pastors …

[@andrewoliver8930]

This is why we need more women involved in more sections of society.

[@brianhotaling5849]

Camp Counselors

[@buteforce]

Denial is easier than acceptance

[@Steve0272.]

The exact same reason the kids dont , its a power issue psychology effects adults the same as it does the kids

[@jacquelinehillson9589]

Very true statement.

[@davidmylchreest3306]

A male teacher at our school had a reputation for going into the girls' changing room while they were getting changed. This seemed to be widely known throughout the school. No idea if anybody did anything about it.

[@sharonramsey715]

I hear you, same in my school all girls, one priest.

[@shanedpain7734]

They don’t even believe their own teachings… Matthew 18:6 The reason they don’t speak up is because they’re a part of it, even indirectly is still a part of it. Decades.

[@Jean-rg4sp]

*No mystery; Protecting the institution from scandal.*

[@richardwilliams8953]

Even if he does go, you can bet your boots he will be well looked after by the church.....

[@stoneagepig3768]

Why isn't it a crime to cover these things up? That's a more pertinent question as far as I'm concerned

[@andrewoliver8930]

They're the elites and have privilege.

[@snowysnowyriver]

Welby has just resigned.

[@faithpearlgenied-a5517]

I just heard on the radio. And that he wants people to pray for his wife and kids 🙄 not the kids who have been abused though....

[@TessTearoe-zp5xv]

Typical

[@christopherdarby2589]

not a moment too soon

[@nickmarshall9192]

The fact that he said nothing Means he must have thought it'd never come out and he'd get away with it And that must also mean that this must have happened many times before and never come out?

[@Stuboy]

A healthy disdain of all religions guards me against those who preach

[@dedbatt8869]

If it was abuse perpetrated by a teacher would you say: A healthy disdain of all education guards me against those who teach?

[@shazzell612]

Glad he has resigned. He has failed his flock, how on earth has he kept quiet.

[@hughdoyle7059]

"the church of England is a social institution, not a religious one" Sir Humphrey! If you don't believe Sir Humphrey the next time you are in an Anglican building look at the plaques on the walls honouring some of the greatest murderers in history, particularly in former colonies.

[@ashroskell]

And, when are these powerful organisations going to realise that all attempts at, “reputational damage limitation,” are the MOST DAMAGING measures you can take!!!

[@zappwhooshwoosh4757]

Isn't the king/queen is the head of church of england? Responsibility?

[@PifflePrattle]

Yes. Who knows if Liz2 of blessed memory knew. Or whether C3 (never forget C1's fate) found out about it more than 24 hours before everyone else.

[@gigiinspired780]

😂

[@beejj6190]

Er, check some of old Charlie's friend's previously ; )

[@Beanscf9ep]

Makes sense how they always manage to get away with it then.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Look up Kamloops Indian school and the abduction of 12 children by Ponce Phil and his child bride

[@pebbles123-e3j]

Religion more important than children safely to the church

[@BumberClarke]

Now lock him up for delaying justice

[@robh2971]

"...the most prolific abuser..." that we know about.

[@prometheus23c]

The lesson here is that anyone who is in a position to act to prevent this type of crime and chooses not to do it should be charged with a crime.

[@toriesdontgettazered7464]

Why aren't the police involved ,seems obvious to me

[@QoS230]

Because the guy is dead and right now they're figuring out if they can get convictions

[@VLM03]

​@@QoS230and the way they figure out convictions is by eliminating and silencing victims, seeing who is a freemason or not, and maintaining the status quo

[@lynnelowery8435]

James o Brian, is outraged by the abuse of children and Justin Welbys knowledge, and yet its only been a fortnight of a report of 20 men getting 119 years, for the abuse of children, and he totally ignored it, hypocritical outrage.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Why don't you THINK - Then answer your own question

[@jakek691]

​@lynnelowery8435 his scared to talk about those people. The man is a coward to his core

[@markwelch317]

Who is the ultimate head of the Church of England? Do you see anybody upset at HIM? I wonder why not...

[@jasongaylard2547]

I'm an atheist but my parent sent me to Sunday school as a kid and I'm starting to think it was an actual miracle that no dodgy priest tried anything on me.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

They did: they programmed your subconscious mind.

[@knightyknight5399]

They are probably abusing children as well

[@nickmarshall9192]

One word "complicit"

[@mikehall7189]

He should be imprisoned but he won’t be because we live in an unequal society.

[@jimwest7107]

Welby has destroyed what's left of the church

[@manda60]

Adults don't do more because "It isn't directly affecting me, who cares" is a worldwide mindset and problem.

[@atir2723]

"Evil people always support each other, that is their chief strength." Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

[@artoflament]

Welby stood by as Reverend Dr Bernard Randall was sacked and disgraced for preaching a moderate sermon on LGBTQ issues. It is justice that he now suffers the loss of his own job and disgrace. The difference between Reverend Dr Randall and Welby is that Dr Randall did nothing. Absolutely nothing in anyway causative of his punishment. Welby, on the other hand, may well deserve this outcome. I hope Welby’s current predicament is sufficient to make him reconsider his allegiances.

[@mariaannunziata3264]

OH PLEASE...did you ask whether this came out now to distract from the Charles and William terrible grifting off charities like NHS!! This is a blessing to Charles and William...

[@ryand141]

Knew they were all dodgy. You can't bs a bs er

[@leelohaskin7941]

Exactly, now they're trying to tie this to Harry and Meghan😒

[@zhihuiho9364]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and dealing with such a harrowing topic with such sensitivity.

[@mandyharewood886]

A report of improper conduct (asked for a kiss) of an elderly man and a ten year old child at my Anglican church in the Caribbean, conduct which was admitted by the perpetrator, elicited more protection by the priest for the perpetrator than the victim. "Both are my parishioners and I am responsible for the well-being of both of them," said the priest. As a Sunday school teacher and youth group co-ordinator for years, I wondered where the girl had disappeared to, and was told of the incident by her livid mother. Her daughter was feeling insignificant, unheard, abandoned. I reported this to the priest and he seemed unable to determine a course of action that would serve them both. Strange, because I could. I soured on the church over time and left. But....this priest went on to become bishop.

[@joancampbell9157]

“Why didn’t adults do more?” That is a really important question and it’s one all adults who know of these things should think about. You’ve hit the nail on the head!

[@kille-4B]

My guess is that they don’t do anything because they are afraid of blame and gossip.

[@loiszhande5321]

Welby is not a true Christian and a disgrace to the office of Archbishop of Canterbury. So many other stories are coming out about him, like he refused to meet a fellow Christian pastor of the Lutheran church in Israel who was concerned about the Palestinian people treatment at the hands of the Israel just because the pastor had shared a platform with Jeremy Corbin. Is Welby not the same man who openly suggested Prince Andrew should be forgiven after the prince's abuse scandal? Is he not the same Welby who said nothing when Meghan and Harry said they had exchanged vows in private before the televised wedding, and why would they have lied about it? Instead, let the public blame Meghan and Harry for lying. Now we know who the liar is, Welby, when he says he is sorry for not escalating the Smyth abuse scandal. By not reporting Smyth, he aided Smyth to spread his abuse to Africa, where he abused boys in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He is sorry because he has been caught out.

[@donnafalconer8158]

The police would probably have colluded at that time and some would be involved

[@MrPotsy81]

I am a teacher who always reported suspicions of child abuse. Many times my bosses didn't like it. I have been threatened by the abusers. I knew I would never get promoted, etc. I didn't care. It was my job and my duty. So many people cover up because they don't want to deal with it. Now, as I age, I know that I can sleep at night. Hope these abusers and the people who covered up for them, CAN'T😡

[@ashroskell]

No, the urge to keep a lid on things, doesn’t, “kick in.” They select people with an established track record of keeping a lid on things. That’s how they get the job.

[@berneysharp3940]

James I have been asking people who should have known about my abuse this year. Happy to chat to you about what they have said. I have transcripts of my calls.

[@Canuck13]

Welby deserves to be in jail!

[@terrytopliss9506]

He knew about it and kept quiet so he should resign,keeping secret this perverts disgusting crimes is inexcusable.

[@mrp8811]

why is he not being arrested if he knew of child abuse.

[@robertparsons313]

The official Church (both Protestant and Catholic) is finished except for some ceremonial functions. Personal faith in Christian teachings is still alive, but the Church is done, and it's their own fault,

[@Haberdashery22]

Richard Drickford - I'm sincerely sorry that your childhood was so severely abused in this way. Thank you for explaining so well, so bravely, the structure within some educational establishments that enabled it. I'm disgusted that no one listens to this day.

[@MS-19]

Every diocese of the Church of England has a Safeguarding Policy. Anyone working in and for the Church of England is required to abide by such policies; failing to do so is a serious matter that can in some cases lead to dismissal. Key excerpts from the policy for the diocese in which I live are: "This procedure must be followed by all church officers. A church officer is anyone appointed / elected by or on behalf of the Church to a post or role, whether they are ordained or lay, paid or unpaid." "The concern or allegation might relate to someone at church or to someone elsewhere (e.g. at home, work or school). It might be a current situation, or something that happened in the past." "Please.... Listen. Take what is said seriously." "Explain that information will need to be shared with the appropriate people." "Establish only as much information as is needed to be able to report what is believed to have happened, when and where." "At the end, check that you have understood everything correctly." "Check out what the person hopes to result from the disclosure." "Tell the child or adult what you are going to do next." "However... Do NOT make assumptions or offer alternative explanations." "Do NOT contact the person about whom allegations have been made." "Make a record... Make some very brief notes at the time, if appropriate, and write them up in detail as soon as possible. Do not destroy your notes in case they are required by the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser or the statutory authorities." "Report promptly.... Never do nothing. Always follow the procedure." "The Diocesan Safeguarding Team must be contacted within 24 hours of the concern or allegation." Did Archbishop Welby abide by such a policy?

[@JulieCawthra]

Let me just think about that a moment 🤔, NO.

[@mandyharewood886]

NO!

[@barrybarry6592]

A policy document and reality are quite different animals. When posts are filled it's very easy and a common human frailty to appointment "people like us". Please keep that in mind and trust no ecclesiastical or quasi organisation with a friend or relative at any level.

[@snapdragon1194]

Culture trumps Policy every time in all organisations. Shocking that it's allowed to still exist freely in any organisation. Welby shouldn't be afforded the luxury of resigning he should be sacked for gross incompetency and be charged with duplicity. No way could he be ever considered a true Christian.

[@Zebedeedoo]

"is a serious matter and can in some cases lead to dismissal" you say. Not a serious matter then in your book is it.

[@vantheman1238]

To silence evil and to protect evil is abhorrent. The Archbishop of Canterbury should be brought to task over his cowardly silence.

[@dolphinliam888]

This is just the tip of the iceberg!

[@BehindTheScreen118]

People need to stop thinking that child abuse in the church is an abhorrent deviation from their purpose, and realize that it's a defining feature.

[@anandvn5654]

Ampleforth College is not a state secret James. You may be interested to know though... The abuses have been going on since 1960...12 years before your birth...22 years before your first realisation. So sorry for you man. I really am. No one should experience this.

[@GloriaHoulihan]

Thank you for speaking about this.I am sure men suffering today will find some degree of comfort from this story of your experiences. I am so thankful that I attended a lovely little school where as far as I am aware there are no dark shadows and I remember my teachers with great affection. I am so sorry you are not as fortunate.

[@sharonramsey715]

No one listens.

[@notlikely4468]

Kind of got to agree with you on this I was a boy soprano in an Anglican church choir in.....1969/72 The guys in the men's choir warned us about our choir master Everybody (including my parents) seemed to know he was abusing pre-pubesent boys But he was a very talented choir master What I found interesting was that he didn't bother me...I wasn't that... malleable? He abused kids who were desperate for external validation Easy prey...and we seemed to instinctively know that I got an early...and profound lesson in Authority I don't know if that was a positive or negative lesson My employer might have an opinion on that...I'm not much of a "team player" Had more than my share of unpaid vacations for disrespect and insubordinate behaviour Did I pass...or fail that test?

[@kisherenow]

You are the best, James! I get teary…

[@jackiedouglas4483]

@kisherenow you are deluded. O'Brien is a sick far left shill.

[@robertjary2470]

That's what dawned on me when I looked back at my childhood experience with a mature perspective. So many adults were 'around' and must have known, or at least thought something very weird and worthy of a closer look, was going on .

[@gazfisher7391]

" Suffer little children.."

[@christopherdarby2589]

and we certainly did as children

[@DJDJ-fl2nv]

The word we are looking for is ‘culpability’ how many children could have been spared the trauma of abuse, had the organisations acted properly?

[@SlimSarah77]

Looking away makes you just as bad.

[@SoniaPrice-c9t]

Thank Goodness for people like you. Keep going.