Statement from Bishop Anna on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Resignation

November 12, 2024 

Dear friends,

Like you, I awoke this morning to the news that the Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned. You can read his statement here https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/news/news-and-statements/statement-archbishopcanterbury-0 

This news is a reminder of the fact that we are, as children of God and as institutions, Simul Justus et Peccator. We are, at the same time, both sinner and saint. 

Please join me in praying for all victims of sexual misconduct and abuse. All of us are called to create communities where all children of God are safe and respected. In the Archbishop’s resignation, we rightly see that leaders in the church must be held to the utmost standard in protecting the vulnerable and holding perpetrators to account.  

I am grateful for all those in this diocese who have taken part in our Safe Church Program, who have signed and who abide by our respectful conduct policy, and who have undertaken police and background checks before taking up positions of responsibility and trust in our diocese. This program takes no small amount of time and effort at both the diocesan and parish levels, and it is an invaluable part of safeguarding our communities from abuse and misconduct of any sort. 

The resignation announcement today reminds all of us, as outlined in our safe church training video, that if we think a child or youth under 19 years of age is being abused or neglected, in the church or anywhere in the community, we have the legal duty to report our concern to a child protection social worker. Phone Child Protection Services at 1-800-663-9122 at any time of the day or night. Having done that we ask also that you inform the Canon Pastor by emailing canonpastor@bc.anglican.ca so that the Diocese may also take appropriate steps.  

May we all work together to create communities of faith where every single child of God is loved, protected, and respected. 

Peace,
The Right Rev Anna Greenwood-Lee 
Bishop