Reflections on the report on the abuse crisis from Durham University

2 May 2024

We were pleased this week to have witnessed the release of ‘The Cross of the Moment’, a report by academics at Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies, which examines Catholic culture in the context of the ongoing abuse crisis.

Most importantly, the report draws fundamentally on the voice of victims and survivors. These voices were powerfully represented in the report. Their real experiences had clearly driven the research. People’s individual experiences of abuse in a Catholic Church setting were vivid and compelling. This matters more than anything else.

The report also represents, perhaps for the first time, a robust analysis of some of the systemic factors which make cultural change so difficult – but so crucial. The report writers reflect those complexities both with academic rigour and compassion for those who have been harmed.

At the CSSA we are concerned with safeguarding standards, and being transparent about how people are being kept safe in the Catholic Church. But part of that remit is being clear about the kind of cultural change that is required. Cultural change starts with Leaders. Safeguarding standards should reflect effective leadership.

As we delve deeply into this report, to see what more we can learn, we are ever mindful of our shared responsibilities to trigger the change that is required. It is complex and it is difficult in any faith setting, but particularly perhaps in the Catholic Church. But being difficult is no excuse for inaction. If the report tells us nothing else, it is that we must all act. Whatever our role in safeguarding, or in the Catholic Church, we should now all consider, and speak out, about our actions to prevent harm.

In the words one of victim-survivor quoted in the report: “It was a glimmer of hope.”

Nazir Afzal OBE, Chair, CSSA

‘The Cross of the Moment’ from the Boundary Breaking research at the Centre for Catholic Studies and Durham University can be found HERE