The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has come under intense scrutiny following calls for his resignation from women who were sexually abused as children by David Tudor, a priest and chaplain to St Bede’s School in Reigate during the 1980s. This follows a BBC investigation that uncovered significant safeguarding failures.

David Tudor, described as a charismatic and trusted priest, groomed and sexually assaulted at least four girls under the age of 16 while he served as both a local vicar and school chaplain. Tudor manipulated his position of trust to exploit his victims, inviting them to his vicarage where the abuse occurred. In one particularly harrowing instance, he pursued one of his victims to Spain, coercing her into sexual activity while she was on holiday with her parents.

The role of Archbishop Stephen Cottrell in the mishandling of Tudor’s case has drawn widespread criticism. In 2010, Cottrell became the Bishop of Chelmsford and assumed responsibility for safeguarding in the diocese. Despite being made aware of Tudor’s criminal conviction and the fact that he had served a prison sentence for the assaults, Cottrell permitted Tudor to continue working in the community. Although Tudor’s conviction was later overturned on a technicality by the Court of Appeal, the serious concerns about his behavior remained.

Under Cottrell’s oversight, Tudor was not only allowed to resume clerical duties but also received renewed appointments. Tudor was reinstated as an assistant Dean at Chelmsford Cathedral, a position he retained for nine years after Cottrell first became aware of the allegations against him. Survivors and advocates argue that these decisions exposed more individuals to risk and demonstrate systemic failures in safeguarding protocols.

Survivors of David Tudor’s abuse have voiced their outrage and called for Archbishop Cottrell’s resignation, stating that the lack of decisive action allowed a known abuser continued access to vulnerable individuals. The revelations have shaken trust in the Church’s ability to protect its congregants and uphold its duty of care.

David Greenwood, a solicitor specialising in abuse claims at Switalskis, has been working closely with survivors to seek justice. He has been advising on cases against the Church, St Bede’s School, and David Tudor himself. Greenwood emphasises that the Church must prioritise the well-being of survivors and demonstrate transparency and accountability in addressing past failures.

The recent BBC investigation exposed the extent of the failures within the diocese, revealing how Tudor remained in a trusted clerical position despite the serious concerns raised about him. The findings have reignited calls for reform within the Church’s safeguarding processes, with survivors and their advocates demanding not just apologies but meaningful change.

For many survivors, coming forward about their abuse is a deeply challenging and emotional process. David Greenwood and the team at Switalskis are dedicated to providing confidential, compassionate legal support for those affected by sexual abuse. Greenwood urges anyone who has been impacted by abuse to seek help and know that they are not alone.

If you have been affected by sexual abuse you can contact David Greenwood confidentially on 01924 882000 or by e mail at David.greenwood@switalskis.com