Increasing proportion of women complaining about abusive marriages
Victims who came forward with accounts of violence, rape and threats of death at the hands of abusive priests were given short shrift by Church officials tasked with complaints
The Church of England has been accused of dismissing or ignoring serious complaints about priests’ conduct made by their own wives.
An investigation by The Daily Telegraph has identified instances where Church authorities failed to act over allegations of sexual abuse, domestic violence and adultery, even when handed apparently compelling evidence. Last night, a woman who accused her husband of rape and marital violence said the Church was “turning a blind eye to abuse and immorality in its own ranks”.
She said: “The clergy just want to protect themselves. They cover for each other and it comes from the top down.”
Victims told this newspaper that they ran into difficulties when their complaints were channelled through the Church’s disciplinary process because it imposed time limits on claims and put the emphasis on complainants to prove their case.
The Church said last night that it was conducting a review of its disciplinary processes, which Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, had admitted were “not fit for purpose”.
Most allegations from clergy wives arise after their marriages break down, leaving them facing the prospect of being ejected from their husband’s home.
Broken Rites, a support group for former clergy spouses, said its membership of 140 was expanding, with an increasing proportion of women complaining about abusive marriages.
The Rev Dr Margaret Wilkinson, speaking for Broken Rites, said: “This is a systemic problem. As with children who were sexually abused by the clergy, we too have not been listened to.”
Since 2003, the Church has dealt with priests using the Clergy Discipline Measure, with cases presided over by a single bishop or tribunal. Last year, a report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse strongly criticised the measure as “flawed” and “an inappropriate means by which to address safeguarding concerns.’
Complaints were only considered if offences occurred within the last year, unless it concerned a child or vulnerable adult. One former wife said: “I think the way forward is to put in place an independent complaints body, similar to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.”
Bishop Chris Goldsmith, the Church of England’s director of ministry, said: “The welfare of clergy spouses and partners, particularly when relationships break down, is taken very seriously. I am truly sorry if there are cases where spouses or partners feel they have been let down and not supported.”
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