Full Breakdown
Incoming Archbishop of Canterbury Faces Complaint Over Abuse Case Handling
12/12/2025, 12:52:27 AM
Overview of the Complaint Against Dame Sarah Mullally
Dame Sarah Mullally, the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, is under scrutiny for her handling of an abuse allegation against a priest while serving as Bishop of London. The Church of England is reviewing a complaint made in 2020 by an individual referred to as "Survivor N," who alleges that Mullally improperly managed the case. She is set to assume her new role on January 28, 2026, following the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby, amid a safeguarding scandal.
Details of the Allegation
The complaint against Mullally stems from an incident reported by Survivor N, who claims he was abused by a priest starting in 2014. After reporting the abuse to the Diocese of London in 2019, N alleges that Mullally breached church protocols by sending a confidential email regarding the allegations to the accused priest. This action is viewed as a violation of the Church's disciplinary code. The Church of England acknowledged that the complaint was not followed up due to "administrative errors and an incorrect assumption about the individual's wishes," which led to Mullally not being informed of the complaint at the time.
Official Statements & Responses
Mullally has publicly stated that while the abuse allegations against the priest were addressed by the Diocese of London, her handling of the subsequent complaint against her was inadequate. She expressed that the victim had been "let down" and emphasized the need for reform in the Church's complaint processes. A spokesperson from Lambeth Palace confirmed that urgent arrangements are being made for the complaint to be assessed according to the relevant statutory process. The complaint will be forwarded to Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, who will determine the next steps, which could include a disciplinary tribunal.
Criticism & Opposition
Survivor N has criticized the Church of England's handling of his case, stating that it has had a severe impact on his mental health, even leading him to feel suicidal. He has also claimed to have faced harassment following his allegations. The Church's failure to address the complaint in a timely manner has raised concerns about its safeguarding procedures, especially in light of Welby's resignation over similar issues.
What's Next
The Church of England is now tasked with reviewing the complaint against Mullally, which could lead to various outcomes, including dismissal of the complaint or formal disciplinary action. This situation places additional pressure on Mullally to restore trust in the Church's handling of abuse allegations as she prepares to take on her new role.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She said: “While his abuse allegations against a member of clergy were fully dealt with by the Diocese of London, it is clear that a different complaint he subsequently made against me personally in 2020 was not properly dealt with.” — Dame Sarah Mullally, Incoming Archbishop of Canterbury
- “I am seeking assurance that processes have been strengthened to ensure any complaint that comes into Lambeth Palace is responded to in a timely and satisfactory manner.” — Dame Sarah Mullally, Incoming Archbishop of Canterbury
- “Due to administrative errors and an incorrect assumption about the individual’s wishes, the complaint was not taken forward or appropriately followed up,” — Lambeth Palace Spokesperson
This unfolding situation highlights the ongoing challenges within the Church of England regarding safeguarding and the handling of abuse allegations, as it prepares for a leadership transition amidst scrutiny.
