Britain’s Methodist Church apologises for nearly 2,000 abuse cases

The Methodist Church in Britain has apologised for failing to protect children and adults, after an independent investigation identified 1,885 reports of physical and sexual abuse within the institution dating back to the 1950s.

In a 100-page report called Courage, Cost and Hope, published by the church on Thursday, ministers or lay employees are said to have been involved in a quarter of the cases, which included sexual, physical, emotional and domestic abuse as well as neglect.

It is the result of a three-year independent review commissioned by the church to “learn lessons of the past” and to make the church “safe for all”. The report’s author, Jane Stacey, called for major and far-reaching changes “both in practice and culture.”

EXHAUSTIVE INVESTIGATION

The review examined each case to confirm whether the church’s response had been safe, pastorally appropriate and compliant with legislation, and if they referred it to police, if that was deemed appropriate, or if other remedial action had been taken.

Cases examined include those that occurred within a church context and those reported to the church but which occurred away from it.

Alleged perpetrators ranged from ministers to church attendees. In 26 per cent of cases, ministers or lay employees were involved. The figures rise to 33 per cent when Church members, such as worship leaders and local preachers, are also included. One case also involved a youth officer who had indecent images of children on his computer.

“A SHAME TO THE CHURCH”

General Secretary of the Methodist Conference, Rev Dr Martyn Atkins, said the abuse would "remain a deep source of grief and shame to the Church."

"On behalf of the Methodist Church in Britain I want to express an unreserved apology for the failure of its current and earlier processes fully to protect children, young people and adults from physical and sexual abuse inflicted by some ministers", he stated.

Atkins assured that the church will "do all in its power to improve its systems to protect children, young people, and adults from abuse within the life of the church and on church premises.”

Report chairman Jane Stacey, former deputy chief executive of the children's charity Barnardo's, said there were "many lessons to be learnt", and “the most challenging are those that require a significant culture change throughout the Church and particularly for ministers and Church leaders." 

THE VICTIMS BEHIND THE NUMBERS

Of the 1,885 cases, 187 alleged perpetrators were still alive and known to safeguarding teams. More than half (1,011) of the cases were closed as there was no longer an identifiable risk, while 687 cases (36%) were open to further action.

Around half (914) of all cases were of a sexual nature. Children under 18 made up 34% of victims. Those over 18 made up 31%, and the ages of the rest were unknown.

The review found four alleged victims of a minister jailed for sexually assaulting children. Two of the alleged victims had made complaints which are being investigated by police. The minister was allowed to retire on compassionate grounds, which caused great offence to victims and their families, the report said.

Nichola Marshall, Law firm Leigh Day’s head of international abuse, representing a group of individuals who allege they were abused by a church missionary in Africa in the 1980s, welcomed the investigation:

 “It has taken my clients over 30 years to have the courage to come forward with their allegations of abuse against the Methodist Church”, she said. “They welcome this public acknowledgment by the Methodist Church as they have faced criticism and disapproval from members of the community for speaking out in the past.”