Church of England colluded and concealed sexual abuse on youth by former bishop, says new report

The Church of England had "colluded" with a former bishop to conceal the sexual abuse he committed on young boys and men over a period of twenty years, according to an independent report.

The report, titled "Abuse of Faith," asserted that the Church had failed to respond accordingly regarding the allegations of sexual abuse of children committed by Bishop Peter Ball, who was jailed for 32 months in October 2015 after admitting a series of sexual offenses against 18 teenagers and young men.

Dame Moira Gibb, the author of the report, stated in the foreword that the Church had colluded with Ball rather than helping the former bishop's victims.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who commissioned the report following Ball's conviction, issued an apology to the victims who spoke out and helped bring the former bishop to justice.

"Abuse of Faith makes harrowing reading: the Church colluded and concealed rather than seeking to help those who were brave enough to come forward," the archbishop said.

"This is inexcusable and shocking behaviour and although Dame Moira notes that most of the events took place many years ago, and does not think that the Church now would conduct itself in the ways described we can never be complacent, we must learn lessons," he added.

The report has alleged that George Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, had ignored a series of complaints about Ball from abused young men and other advisers. The former archbishop had apparently allowed Ball to continue officiating even after he resigned as the Bishop of Gloucester in 1993 following a police report of an act of gross indecency with a 19-year-old man.

"Lord Carey set the tone for the Church's response to Ball's crimes and gave the steer which allowed Ball's assertions that he was innocent to gain credence," the report stated, according to Christian Today.

Ball, who was released from jail in February after serving 16 months, had continued to conduct ministry in 17 private schools and retain links to a private school after his resignation until at least 2007.

Carey also issued an apology for his actions and stated that the report is deeply uncomfortable to read. "I welcome the recommendations of the report and I accept the criticisms made of me," he said.

The report acknowledged that Carey's successor, Rowan Williams, had overseen some changes regarding the case. However, it noted that the changes seemed to be implemented at a "lamentably slow" pace.

Williams admitted that he did not pay enough attention to the issue, adding that he recognized that the Church's delayed response likely increased the pressure and distress felt by the victims. He apologized and stated that he is grateful for those who came out to share their stories and continued to seek justice against the former bishop.

The report issued eleven recommendations for the Church focusing on a range of issues, including getting the right support for survivors, the leadership roles of bishops, strengthening guidance, and the effectiveness of disciplinary measures with regards to safeguarding related cases.