Former Archbishop of Canterbury Carey steps down as priest
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, has resigned as priest following a BBC investigation into the Church of England’s handling of a sex abuse scandal.
Lord Carey stepped down after being contacted by the BBC about allegations he allowed a priest banned over sexual abuse allegations to return to ministry.
In his resignation letter, Lord Carey said it had been “an honor to serve” in the practice since 1962.
The 89-year-old’s decision to step down came as a direct result of the investigation, a spokesperson later confirmed.
Lord Carey was named in this month Investigation of disgraced priest David Tudor, It was found that the church had barred her from being alone with children and had paid compensation to a sexual abuse victim.
In 1989, Tudor was banned from ministry for sexual misconduct by a church tribunal, but five years later he was allowed to return to ministry.
When he was Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey agreed that Tudor could return to supervision the following year.
This was done “with some trepidation”, Church told the BBC.
Lord Carey told the inquiry that he did not remember Tudor’s name.
Tudor removed two months ago After pleading guilty to charges of historical sexual abuse relating to two girls.
In his resignation letter sent on 4 December, Lord Carey wrote: “I wish to submit my permission to the officer.
“I am now in my ninetieth year and have been in active ministry since 1962 when I was made deacon and then priest in 1963.
“It has been an honor to serve in the dioceses of London, Southwell, Durham, Bristol, Bath & Wells, Canterbury and ultimately Oxford.
“I thank God for his enduring faithfulness but want to recognize the remarkable contribution of Eileen whose loyalty and support has been outstanding.”
The BBC investigation also found that the Archbishop of York allowed Tudor to remain in office despite knowing about her affair.
Stephen Cottrell has resisted calls to resign, saying he “deeply regrets” that no action was taken sooner but that he “inherited” this situation.
He said there is no legal basis for taking alternative action.
