Church of England’s Vetting Process Under Fire: Bishop Demands Urgent Reform Amidst Scandal

The Bishop of Blackburn, Rev Philip North, has called for immediate reform of the Church of England’s clergy vetting process, following a scandal surrounding Blackburn Canon Andrew Hindley. The Church’s handling of Hindley’s case has been widely criticized, with allegations of sexual assault and a potential risk to children and young people. Despite being assessed as a risk by the NSPCC and subject to multiple police investigations, Hindley remained in his post until 2022, when he received a significant payment as part of a civil law settlement.

Bishop North has expressed alarm at the Church’s inability to act on risk assessments, citing “heavy legal structures and processes” that are “not fit for purpose.” He has vowed to work with colleagues to bring about change, stating that “without real change, any apology is empty and hypocritical.” The Bishop’s demands for reform come as the Church of England faces mounting pressure to address its handling of abuse cases and ensure the safety of its congregations. With the suffering of victims and survivors at stake, the Church must act swiftly to restore trust and prevent further scandals.