Channel 4: Response from the Diocese of London

The following information was provided in full to Channel 4 in advance of its broadcasts on 16 & 17 December 2025, related to safeguarding in the Diocese of London.

The Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, said:

“In 2022, following the publication of the independent report into Fr Alan Griffin’s death, I apologised unreservedly to his family and friends. I repeat that apology today.

“Ever since I became Bishop of London in 2018, and before, I have spoken publicly about the clear need for independent scrutiny of safeguarding across the Church of England. That is why I commissioned the Robson Report into Fr Alan’s death, to examine exactly what went wrong in the tragic run-up to November 2020. The public recommendations from the independent report in 2022 have been vital ever since in driving forward change across the Diocese of London. That change has been embedded in the Diocesan Safeguarding Team today, as has the need for continuous safeguarding improvement and culture change.

“Nevertheless, I understand why now, as I prepare to become Archbishop of Canterbury, there will be renewed scrutiny of past cases, and especially my role. As I said when announced as the next Archbishop on the 3^rd October 2025, we must all be willing to have light shone on our actions, regardless of our role in the Church.

“I continue to be determined to improve safeguarding across the Church of England. In this Diocese, as part of an ongoing programme across all dioceses, we have recently undergone an independent safeguarding audit by INEQE. We will want to use its findings and recommendations, which will be made public, to build on the progress made to date.”

The Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop, Joanne Grenfell, said:

“As Bishop of Stepney, I worked alongside Bishop Sarah in the Diocese of London from 2019 to 2025. During that time, I witnessed her commitment to good safeguarding, to ensuring proper safeguarding systems and processes, and to shaping a healthier culture across the Diocese.

“Notable changes included increasing resourcing for the diocesan safeguarding team and creating a multi-background, skilled team with excellent oversight of casework and decision making. Governance was also strengthened, with regular oversight and scrutiny from an independently chaired Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel and from the Bishop’s Council.

“The Diocese is a large and complex organization, and Bishop Sarah clearly inherited a culture where, in places, light had not been shone on unacceptable behaviour. She was utterly committed and principled in setting about changing that culture and ensuring that any concerns were addressed with rigour.

“In her response to recent news reports, I continue to see Bishop Sarah’s commitment to honesty and transparency in safeguarding, a commitment which I am glad she will also bring to the role of Archbishop of Canterbury.”

The Two Cities report

• Martin Sargeant left the Diocese of London in 2019 after the new Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, instigated a review of his role and accountability.
• Bishop Sarah did not read the “Two Cities Report” compiled of Martin Sargeant’s handover notes because its contents needed to be properly assessed by safeguarding professionals and the Diocesan Registrar.
• She was informed, however, which members of clergy had been named in the report, in order to write to them, offer them sight of the relevant extracts and meet with them if they wished.
• There was no knowledge or suspicion of Sargeant’s criminality until 2021, when the LDF made a report to Action Fraud. His previous conviction was not known of until his subsequent arrest.
• It would have been impossible to discount information divulged by Mr Sargeant in 2019 – years before his arrest and conviction.
• That case has also been subject to independent scrutiny. More information is available here.

Michelle Burns’s allegations

• Michelle Burns joined the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as a safeguarding adviser in the Edmonton Area in 2022.
• Michelle left after three years in 2025 by mutual agreement. Her departure was mediated through ACAS.
• We were confidentially informed of her hospitalisation following the attempt on her life. Occupational Health worked closely with the NHS in response to direct the further ongoing welfare and pastoral support that was offered and provided.
• The concerns raised by Michelle relating to a clergyperson’s welfare were not dismissed. They were taken seriously and actively responded to by senior staff members.
• The Diocese of London has a complaints procedure regarding the management of safeguarding concerns which can be found here Safeguarding complaints policy and procedure and a whistleblowing policy which can be found here Whistleblowing policy.
• Michelle remains free to make any disclosure under the Diocese of London’s whistleblowing policy. Michelle has not done so to date, and did not while an employee. However, her allegations have been provided in full to INEQE (see below).

Independent audit of safeguarding in the Diocese of London

• The Diocese has recently been independently audited by the INEQE Safeguarding Group as part of an ongoing programme across all dioceses. This has included an audit of leadership, culture, risk and case management, and response to victims and survivors.
• 2,390 survey responses were submitted and reviewed as part of the audit. It involved interviews with over 150 people, including current and former members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, and a file review of case referrals and management.
• INEQE’s report has not yet been published, but will be made available as a public document. We look forward to its findings and acting on its recommendations to build further on the progress made to date.

Where to find support and share concerns

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England. If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support:

• Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
• Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
• Webchat via the Safe Spaces website

Anybody who would like to give information or make disclosures about church-related abuse in the Diocese of London can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on 020 3837 1224 or safeguarding@london.anglican.org