The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) published the final report of its hearings and investigations on 20 October.
The report makes 20 recommendations which the United Reformed Church (URC) will now study in detail and make any necessary changes to its policy and practice.
The Revd Dr John Bradbury, General Secretary of the URC, said: “Throughout the inquiry, the harrowing stories of children let down and the scale of abuse uncovered is both shocking and shameful.
“Survivors have been rightly placed at the forefront of the Inquiry’s investigations and we are grateful for its work.
“The URC has robust policies and procedures in place to ensure the welfare and protection of all who attend its churches and who use its premises, and the Church will continue to make sure that safeguarding remains a priority and the responsibility of everyone to ensure the safety of all who share in our activities.
“The URC will address failures where they have occurred, and we are sorry for where this has not happened in the past.
“We will now take time to consider the recommendations and see where changes in our processes might be made in light of the report and the government’s subsequent response.”
URC responds fully to IICSA report – 21 January 2022
URC welcomes publication of IICSA report – 2 September 2021
URC offers heartfelt apology to abuse survivors – November 2018
Image: Michal Parzuchow/Unsplash.