This is a challenging time for victims and survivors of abuse. I believe that the Church of England is committed to being a safe place for all, with safeguarding a priority of the highest order. With the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury highlighting our commitment and our past failings as a national church, be assured the Church of England Birmingham will continue to strive to create and maintain a safeguarding culture and processes in which all can know that they are safe, and all voices are recognised.

I encourage us to hold victims and survivors of abuse in prayer, now and always, and to honour and learn from their examples of courage and bravery.  Please also pray for the clergy, lay leaders and congregations of the wider Church of England, and the diverse communities we are called to serve in Jesus' name.

Yours in Christ,

Rt Rev Dr Michael Volland

Bishop of Birmingham

The Press release from the Church of England regarding the Archbishop of Canterbury's resignation can be read here, on the CofE website.