In London on Monday, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, the interim head of the Church of England, promised improved systems to prevent abuse within the Church. He acknowledged the harm caused by safeguarding failures that led to the resignation of former leader Justin Welby last year.
The Church, which serves 85 million Anglicans in over 165 countries, has been embroiled in a crisis regarding how it safeguards its members since an abuse cover-up scandal in November.
"I am deeply dismayed by our failings," Cottrell expressed to the Church's governing body meeting in London for the first time since Welby's departure. On Tuesday, Church leaders will discuss establishing greater independence in their effort to regain trust.
"We have an opportunity to realign ourselves. I have always believed that greater independence is crucial for safeguarding, providing the accountability and transparency we require," added Cottrell.
Welby resigned following a report revealing he could have done more to prevent a prolific serial abuser within the Church. Subsequent reports have surfaced new abuse allegations within the Church, including historical claims against Cottrell himself, which he has defended.
Recognizing the breach in trust and loss of confidence, Cottrell stated, "I am sincerely sorry for this situation. Mistakes have been made, including by me."
Despite a motion to prevent Cottrell from speaking being defeated by a vote of 239 to 73, it underscored significant frustration with the Church's leadership.
British citizens, increasingly less devout, are also becoming more skeptical of the institution, though it remains deeply intertwined in British culture due to its ceremonial duties, particularly in royal events like weddings and coronations.
A recent YouGov survey indicated a decline in public opinion towards the Church, with only 25% expressing a favorable view compared to 32% in a November poll before Welby's resignation. Nearly half now hold a negative opinion, a 10-point increase from the previous poll.