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Church of England Reviews Complaint Against Incoming Archbishop Over Abuse-Case Handling

Lambeth Palace has apologized for a 2020 complaint left unprocessed, triggering a formal disciplinary assessment.

Overview

  • Officials said a complaint about Dame Sarah Mullally’s conduct was lodged in 2020 but was not progressed due to administrative errors and an incorrect assumption about the complainant’s wishes.
  • The deputy provincial registrar for Canterbury will assess whether the case falls under the Clergy Discipline Measure and will send a recommendation to Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell.
  • Possible outcomes include dismissal, a request for a formal response, referral to a conciliator, the imposition of penalties, or escalation to a church tribunal.
  • The complainant, known as N, alleges that when Mullally was Bishop of London she contacted the priest accused of abuse about the claims, which would breach disciplinary protocols.
  • Mullally said N was let down and is seeking assurances on stronger processes, will not comment publicly at this stage, and is due to take office as Archbishop of Canterbury on January 28.