Abusers may be forgiven but can never be trusted again, Archbishop tells inquiry

The Most Rev Justin Welby said that while people may be forgiven, this would not stop them from facing the consequences of their actions.

Giving evidence at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, he explained that forgiveness is a very complex issue.

But he added: “The Bible is utterly, brutally blunt about the difference between forgiveness and the consequences of sin.”

“Where there is something done wrong, there will be consequences,” he said.

“If someone has been an abuser, they can never be trusted again – that is the consequence.”

Fiona Scolding QC, the lead lawyer for the Anglican strand of the inquiry, asked the Archbishop how the church is addressing the issue of safeguarding.

He replied that he had implemented training, but that there was also a great need for a culture change.

Mr Welby said: “The training of clergy is essential, also the training of PCCs and church wardens. People also need to follow their instincts. It is at parish level that we will change everything.”

On the blame culture in the Church, he added: “‘I’ve heard about a problem, but it was someone else’s job to report it’.

“That is not an acceptable human response, let alone a leadership response. If you know a child is being abused, not to report it is simply wrong.”

The Archbishop also told the inquiry, being held at the Pocock…