THE report into the Church’s handling of the Bishop Peter Ball case makes for uncomfortable reading.
It reads like the crazed mind of a conspiracy theorist.
But shockingly, all this happened not so long ago on our doorstep.
The impact of his abuse has had, and continues to have, a profound effect on his victims.
There is nothing that will heal their pain. But hopefully the report will offer some reassurance that it will never happen again.
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, was singled out for criticism by the review, led by Dame Moira Gibb.
The current Archbishop, Justin Welby, has quite rightly asked for him to consider his future as a key figure in the church.
It is clear Carey has questions to answer.
The failure to report the abuse, despite numerous victims coming forward, was on his watch.
In particular, Lambeth Palace failed to pass on to police six letters reporting abuse.
Carey must be questioned over his role in all of this.
Following the release of the report, Justin Welby pulled no punches.
He said the Church had colluded and concealed rather than sought to help those who were brave enough to come forward.
He said it was “inexcusable and shocking behaviour” and ended by stating that lessons must be learnt.
All this is well and good but we must see action.
The Church must do more to ensure nothing like this happens again and anybody else involved in any way, shape or form must be brought to justice.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here