Safeguarding will run through the February meeting of the General Synod like the word “Blackpool” runs through a stick of seaside rock.

The Archbishops’ Council’s response to the Makin review on John Smyth’s abuse is one of delays and lack of urgency.

With you at the helm, the Church of England has become a more dangerous place. It will not, and can not, improve its safeguarding with you at the helm.

The Archbishops’ Council and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York said that they’ll address concerns raised in a two-year investigation by BBC’s religion editor, Aleem Maqbool, through the draft Clergy Conduct Measure and new Clergy Risk Assessment Regulations. But both pieces of legislation progressed through the General Synod last month without anything in them to address an issue which, in February 2023, Synod was told needed to be addressed urgently.

To ensure continuing secrecy of Church of England tribunals, the Archbishops’ Council falsely states that GMC hearings are held in private.

If someone makes a public apology for “speaking incorrectly” but mis-states what actually happened when they did so, is the apology genuine?

Bishops want to continue running the Church’s safeguarding; while victims and their advocates want it taken out of bishops’ hands.