The Church of England has today (5th October) published the findings of its Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2) which is an independent review of the handling of safeguarding cases over many years. 

The purpose of the PCR2 was to identify both good practice and institutional failings in relation to how allegations of abuse have been handled, assess any identified risks and respond to these where appropriate, and to provide recommendations to the Church that will lead to improvements in its safeguarding work. 

The review of more than 75,000 files has been carried out across all 42 dioceses and Lambeth and Bishopthorpe Palaces and the National Safeguarding Team (NST) have each produced their own local findings and recommendations. 

The Diocese of Lincoln’s Past Case Review 2 Executive Summary can be found here. 

PCR2 was launched in the summer of 2019 following recommendations in an independent scrutiny report looking at the original PCR which was not considered to have been carried out thoroughly enough. The PCR2 review of files, some dating back to the 1940s, concluded in April 2022 but the original timescale was delayed by Covid-19. 

The Diocese of Lincoln published its report on 20th September ahead of the national report in the spirit of transparency and accountability and with the survivors very much in mind. 

As a diocese we acknowledge that individuals have been hurt, some very seriously, through past action and inaction in the Church of England as a whole and we were mindful to avoid any further delays. 

Acting Bishop of Lincoln, The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, said: “We welcome the publication of the National PCR2 Report as it signifies the completion of the most extensive review of files ever conducted in the Church of England. 

“Survivors’ voices have been key to the review, and we hope it will give those who have contributed and others confidence in our safeguarding processes and the assurance that the Church is a safer place to be. 

“Although as a diocese we have much to be grateful for following the results of the review, considering where we have come from, we are not complacent and I would like to apologise unreservedly for our church’s failures and to survivors, victims and their families for the pain and misery they have endured.  

“We understand that for every case of abuse there is a survivor, and that in every mishandled case the survivor’s experience of abuse is intensified. PCR2 is an important step on a continuing journey of improvement, and we would like to thank all those who took part, especially the survivors for their tremendous courage.” 

To view the national PCR2 report or find out more about the review please visit https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/past-cases-review-2 

If you or someone you know have been affected by abuse within the church and you would like information about accessing appropriate support, please call 01522 504070 or email [email protected]