Story perspectives

Archbishop-Appointee Under Fire for Mishandled Abuse Complaint

12/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

Dame Sarah Mullally, set to become the Archbishop of Canterbury in January, faces scrutiny over how she handled a 2020 abuse complaint against a London priest, which was not pursued due to administrative errors.
Mullally says she learned of the complaint only recently.
She acknowledges that while the abuse allegations were addressed, her own complaint was mishandled.
The complaint will be reviewed by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, who has the authority to escalate the matter.

History

Historical Context

The Church of England's Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, established in 2015, aimed to address systemic failures in handling abuse allegations, revealing over 3,000 claims against church officials. Historical cases, such as Peter Ball's abuse from 1977 to 1992, underscore ongoing accountability challenges. Dame Sarah Mullally's role as Archbishop of Canterbury reflects the church's struggle for reform and transparency in safeguarding practices.

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Story summary

Dame Sarah Mullally, set to become the Archbishop of Canterbury in January, faces scrutiny over how she handled a 2020 abuse complaint against a London priest, which was not pursued due to administrative errors.
Mullally says she learned of the complaint only recently.
She acknowledges that while the abuse allegations were addressed, her own complaint was mishandled.
The complaint will be reviewed by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, who has the authority to escalate the matter.

1 / 2