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PA/PA Wire
UK News

Church orders independent review into George Bell case

by Hannah Tooley

It was standard practice in accordance with the House of Bishops guidance in 'complex cases', the Diocese of Chichester said.

In October, the Church accepted sexual assault allegations against George Bell, who was Bishop of Chichester from 1929 until his death on 3rd October 1958, and paid compensation to the survivor.

The inquiry will review the way the allegations were handled when they were first made in 1995 and then again to Lambeth Palace in 2013.

A group of leaders will meet to consider what lessons can be learned for the handling of future serious safeguarding situations, a statement said.

The review will be commissioned by the Church of England's National Safeguarding Team on the recommendation of the Bishop of Chichester.

"The Church has always recognised Bishop Bell's principled stand in the Second World War and his contribution to peace but it also has a duty to listen to survivors," the statement said.

It added: "It will also consider the processes, including the commissioning of expert independent reports and archival and other investigations, which were used to inform the decision to settle the case.

"The settlement was based on the balance of probabilities as criminal proceedings cannot be brought in a case where the alleged perpetrator is dead."

The Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner said: "As in any serious safeguarding situation it is always important to learn lessons from the process and this review will ensure this is done.

"I have, however, made it absolutely clear that the survivor in the case be reassured that we will do everything we can to continue to support her as we have done throughout this process.

"I hope that the review will provide a constructive way forward for all concerned.

"Along with my colleagues in the wider Church, I am committed to ensuring that the past is handled with honesty."

Further review details, including Terms of Reference and who will be the independent reviewer, will be announced at a later date.

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