Former Church Leader Steps Down Over Past Misconduct
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Lord George Carey, who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 to 2002, has stepped down from his position as a priest amid controversy surrounding his handling of a sexual misconduct case.
The resignation follows a BBC investigation that revealed Carey had permitted a priest previously suspended for sexual abuse allegations to resume his duties within the church.
In his resignation letter dated December 4, Carey reflected on his six-decade-long ministry career dating back to 1962 and mentioned his approaching 90th birthday, but made no reference to the investigation.
Lord George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned as a Priest following allegations that he failed to act properly in the case of a Priest's sexual misconduct. Both He, & Lord Justin Welby should forfeit their titles and seats in H of L.https://t.co/Fz9tJKpifZ
— citizens2022committee (@c22cuk) December 18, 2024
According to the BBC’s findings, Carey authorized David Tudor’s return to church service in 1994, despite Tudor having served a five-year suspension following accusations of assaulting teenage girls.
The investigation uncovered documents indicating that Carey had supported Tudor’s employment within a diocese.
The controversy has extended beyond Carey, with Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell facing pressure to resign over his own involvement in Tudor’s case. Reports suggest Cottrell allowed Tudor to continue his duties despite awareness of restrictions prohibiting Tudor from being alone with children and knowledge of a compensation payment to one of his victims.
Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, RESIGNS from the priesthood after BBC investigation into handling of David Tudor case:#Carey #georgecarey #LordCarey #BBC #ChurchofEngland #CofE #safeguarding #cartoon #art pic.twitter.com/TG7xEotLQA
— Dave Piper (@DavePiperDJ) December 17, 2024
Tudor’s ministry career ended permanently in October after he admitted to engaging in sexual relationships with two teenagers, ages 15 and 16, during the 1980s.
These developments come as Cottrell prepares to temporarily lead the Church of England following Justin Welby’s November resignation, which was also linked to concerns over his management of separate sexual abuse allegations.
As the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury guides a global religious community of 85 million followers across 165 nations. The church currently faces internal divisions over contemporary issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and women’s roles within the institution.
