Former Archbishop of Canterbury's Letter to Police in Support of Child Abuser Exposed

Strategic Insights -

The Archbishop of Canterbury's decision to write a letter in support of the then Bishop of Gloucester, Peter Ball, who was being investigated for sex offences in 1993, has been revealed as a result of a Freedom of Information Act request. The letter, written by former Archbishop George Carey, expressed his doubt about Ball's guilt, stating it was "improbable" that he was responsible. In response to the letter, the Church of England apologised "unreservedly" to Ball's victims. Ball was later jailed for a string of historic offences, including two counts of indecent assault.

Key Takeaways:

  • In 1993, former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey wrote a letter in support of Bishop of Gloucester Peter Ball, who was being investigated for sex offences, stating it was "improbable" that Ball was guilty.
  • The Church of England apologised "unreservedly" to Ball's victims in response to the letter.
  • Peter Ball was later jailed for a string of historic offences, including two counts of indecent assault.
  • Ball was accused of hand-picking 18 vulnerable victims to commit acts of "debasement" in the name of religion.
  • The Church of England was accused of dealing inadequately with Ball's victims and giving too much credence to his protestations.
  • Lord Carey denied that the Church of England had been involved in a cover-up, stating that he had always insisted upon the highest standards of holiness of life from all who are ordained.
  • Lawyer David Greenwood stated that the letters may have influenced the Crown Prosecution Service to allow Ball to be cautioned rather than prosecuted in 1993.
  • The Church of England acknowledged that Ball had "systematically abused the trust of the victims" and abused the trust placed in him by the church and others.

Statistics:

  • 1992: Neil Todd, who had bravely brought forward allegations against Peter Ball, took his own life before Ball's conviction or sentencing.
  • 1993: Former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey wrote a letter in support of Peter Ball, stating it was "improbable" that Ball was guilty of the allegations made against him.
  • 2012: Peter Ball was finally convicted and pleaded guilty to a string of historic offences.
  • 18 young men were targeted by Peter Ball for abuse between 1992 and 1997.

Sources:

  • BBC
  • Church of England
  • Crown Prosecution Service
  • David Greenwood, lawyer representing victims of Ball