Church of England Paid Six-Figure Settlement to Priest Deemed Risk to Children
The Church of England paid a six-figure settlement to Canon Andrew Hindley, who was assessed as a risk to children. Despite five police investigations, Hindley was never charged, and concerns about him were an 'open secret' among senior clergy. This case led to the resignation of Rowena Pailing and calls for systemic changes within the Church.
The Church of England paid a six-figure settlement to Canon Andrew Hindley, a priest in the Blackburn diocese from 1991 to 2021, after numerous assessments and allegations suggested he posed a risk to children and young people.
Despite facing five police investigations for alleged sexual misconduct, Hindley was never charged.
Former senior staff at Blackburn Cathedral describe the priest's behavior and the Church's failure to act as an 'open secret.' The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are still working on improving Church processes.
The pay-off, amounting to £240,000, was kept confidential under non-disclosure agreements.
The case led to the resignation of Rowena Pailing, the cathedral’s vice-dean, who criticized the Church for protecting its reputation over victims.
Ian Elliott, a child protection expert, has called for systemic changes within the Church of England.
Despite facing five police investigations for alleged sexual misconduct, Hindley was never charged.
Former senior staff at Blackburn Cathedral describe the priest's behavior and the Church's failure to act as an 'open secret.' The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are still working on improving Church processes.
The pay-off, amounting to £240,000, was kept confidential under non-disclosure agreements.
The case led to the resignation of Rowena Pailing, the cathedral’s vice-dean, who criticized the Church for protecting its reputation over victims.
Ian Elliott, a child protection expert, has called for systemic changes within the Church of England.
