Church of England Finally Passes Major Safeguarding Overhaul After Abuse Scandals Rocked the Institution

Church of England Overhauls Safeguarding After Years of Abuse Scandals

The Church of England's General Synod has passed a sweeping package of safeguarding reforms in what leaders are calling "a significant day for the Church."

The measures, approved during the February 2026 Synod session, come in the wake of devastating abuse scandals that rocked the institution, including the resignation of former Archbishop Justin Welby over his mishandling of the John Smyth abuse case.

New Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally presided over her first General Synod as the reforms were voted through. The package includes four major changes designed to overhaul how the Church protects vulnerable people.

First, a revised Code of Practice for Bishops' Mission Orders will ensure that new worshipping communities operate within established Church policies. Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter, said the measure addresses "unhealthy patterns of power, personality cult and unaccountability."

Second, a new Safer Recruitment Code, effective from June, will tighten how the Church vets and hires staff and clergy.

This gives a clear message that safer recruitment is being taken seriously.

Robert Springett, deputy lead safeguarding bishop, made the statement as the code was approved.

Third, the Synod approved the creation of an independent safeguarding charity, a long demanded reform that will bring outside oversight to the Church's handling of abuse allegations.

Fourth, a revised Clergy Conduct Measure will require future disciplinary tribunals to sit publicly, unless closed sessions are deemed to be "in the interests of justice." This measure still requires Parliamentary approval before receiving royal assent.

This is a significant day for the Church... a single, unified system that brings independence and scrutiny together.

Dr Joanne Grenfell, the Church's lead bishop for safeguarding, made the declaration as the final vote was counted.

The reforms also follow revelations about Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi, who was found to have "used his spiritual authority to control people" and engaged in coercive behavior with youths. Pilavachi resigned his position and licence, and King Charles stripped him of his MBE.

New Safeguarding Reforms Mark a Turning Point for the Church of England

The passage of these measures marks the most comprehensive safeguarding overhaul in the Church of England's modern history. For decades, survivors of abuse within the Church have called for independent oversight and transparent proceedings. These four measures represent concrete steps toward that goal.

The Crusader's Opinion

Let us be absolutely clear: every single abuse case that was covered up, ignored, or minimized was a betrayal of the faith these leaders claimed to serve. The Church of England allowed wolves in shepherd's clothing to prey upon the innocent for years while bishops looked the other way. It is about time they put enforceable measures in place, but make no mistake, this should have happened decades ago. Independent oversight should never have been optional. Public tribunals should always have been the standard. The fact that it took the downfall of an Archbishop and national disgrace to force these reforms tells you everything about institutional rot. These measures are welcome, but they are owed, not gifts. Every church in every denomination should take note: protect the flock, or answer to God for every soul you failed.

Take Action

• Pray for abuse survivors within the Church of England and all denominations. Ask your local church leadership what safeguarding policies are in place.
• Contact the Church of England's National Safeguarding Team at churchofengland.org/safeguarding to report concerns or learn about the new measures.
• Support Thirtyone:eight, an independent Christian safeguarding charity that provides training and resources to churches across the UK.
• Donate to www.TheShepherdsShield.org to support the protection and defence of persecuted Christians worldwide.
• Demand transparency in your own church. Ask your pastor or vicar whether your congregation has an independent safeguarding policy, a clear reporting process, and regular training for staff and volunteers.