Church of England put ‘excessive emphasis’ on forgiving predators, abuse inquiry told

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse was told that young victims were often made to feel responsible for their experiences when they reported concerns to church staff.

Public hearings are taking place this week examining how the Church of England handled allegations of sexual misconduct stretching back to the 1950s, first focusing on the Diocese of Chichester.

Fiona Scolding QC, the lead lawyer for the Anglican strand of the inquiry, set out the potential problems within the church that will be highlighted by witnesses and documents during a fortnight of hearings.

They included the church prioritising reputational concerns over the safety of children when allegations against the clergy came to light.

Abuse victims from the Diocese of Chichester in the 1950s and 1960s will give evidence, as well as those who were preyed upon in the 1990s during a scandal which “engulfed the diocese in the first decade of the 21?st? century”, she said.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will be among those appearing before the probe on behalf of the church.

Ms Scolding said in her opening statement: “The church is the established church of England – the national church.

“It is a very important and powerful institution within our society.

“It provides spiritual sustenance for many and is seen as a leader in terms of not…