Displaying items by tag: safeguarding failures

The Church in Wales faces deepening scandal as fresh historical sexual abuse allegations emerge against former bishop Anthony Pierce, already jailed earlier this year for child sexual abuse, and an unnamed former vicar. BBC Wales said that warnings about Pierce’s predatory behaviour surfaced as early as 1986, yet he rose to become Bishop of Swansea and Brecon in 1999. Survivors like Alisdair Adams, who endured unwanted sexual advances, question how he advanced within church ranks despite earlier concerns. Other victims described how Pierce’s inaction allowed further abuse, such as that perpetrated by choirmaster David Gedge. Additional testimony highlighted a culture of secrecy, intimidation, and institutional protectionism, with victims and whistleblowers often silenced or discouraged from speaking out. Calls are mounting for an independent inquiry to investigate the Church’s failures. In response, the Church in Wales has apologised, pledging a comprehensive safeguarding audit and cultural review to restore trust. However, survivors remain sceptical, fearing systemic issues persist beneath public assurances of reform and accountability.