British abuse inquiry to investigate churches, politicians

December 02, 2015

Nearly ten months after the United Kingdom’s home secretary announced the formation of an Independent Panel Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the head of the inquiry announced she would oversee a dozen simultaneous investigations into various groups and institutions, including the Church of England, the Catholic Church, children’s homes, and politicians.

“The investigation will focus on high-profile allegations of child sexual abuse involving current or former members of parliament, senior civil servants, government advisers and members of the intelligence and security agencies,” said Lowell Goddard, the New Zealand judge who leads the inquiry. “It will consider allegations of cover­up and conspiracy and will review the adequacy of law enforcement responses to these allegations.”

The Catholic Church in England and Wales has established a council led by Baroness Nuala O’Loan to respond to the inquiry.

“The role of the council is to facilitate and ensure the proper response to the Enquiry, which has the Church’s full support,” said O’Loan. “We look forward to hearing their specific requests and will ensure full cooperation with their deliberations.”

 

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Further information:

• Child sex abuse inquiry to focus on churches and politicians (The Guardian)
• Catholic Church sets up Council to assist Goddard Inquiry (Catholic Church in England and Wales)
• Judge to examine sexual abuse in English institutions (CWN, 2/6)