International Shia News Agency

The Methodist Church in Britain has apologised for failing to protect children and adults from physical and sexual abuse

SHAFAQNA – The Methodist Church in Britain published a 100 page report on 28 May 2015 saying it wanted to be open about the past. Rev. Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Conference said: “On behalf of the Methodist Church in Britain I want to express an unreserved apology for the failure of its current and earlier processes fully to protect children, young people and adults from physical and sexual abuse inflicted by some ministers in Full Connexion and members of the Methodist Church.

“That abuse has been inflicted by some Methodists on children, young people and adults is and will remain a deep source of grief and shame to the church.”

He described as “deeply regrettable” that the church had “not always listened properly to those abused” nor had it always cared for them.

He added: “In respect of these things we have, as a Christian church, clearly failed to live in ways that glorify God and honour Christ.

“I am certain that the Methodist Conference will want to resolve to do all in its power to improve its systems to protect children, young people and adults from abuse within the life of the church and on church premises, and to review them diligently on a regular basis.”

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