A BBC investigation has uncovered that the Church of England made a substantial financial settlement to a priest deemed a potential risk to children and young people.
Canon Andrew Hindley, who served in the Blackburn diocese from 1991 to 2021, faced five police investigations into allegations of sexual assault, although he was never charged with any criminal offenses and denies posing a safeguarding risk.
The former Bishop of Blackburn, Julian Henderson, described the financial settlement as the “only option” available to protect vulnerable individuals from the potential risk posed by Hindley.
Senior staff members at Blackburn Cathedral resigned over the settlement, expressing dismay that concerns about Hindley were “an open secret” among senior clergy.
According to internal Church documents, attempts to resolve the issue included various risk assessments and internal investigations.
Fespite these efforts, several Lancashire bishops noted that “strings have been pulled and networks have been used to effect Canon Hindley’s ongoing ministry.”
In 2022, Canon Hindley was reportedly offered £240,000, though the final amount remains undisclosed due to non-disclosure agreements.
The Church of England stated that the settlement was in response to legal action brought by Hindley, who was initially forced to retire. However, evidence suggests that the Church made several attempts over the years to financially settle with Hindley.
Rowena Pailing, who resigned as the cathedral’s vice-dean and head of safeguarding, criticized the Church’s handling of the case, stating that it prioritized its reputation over the protection of victims and survivors. Pailing, who was made aware of “serious safeguarding concerns and allegations” upon accepting her role in 2018, discovered there was no concrete plan to address these issues.
Internal reviews and risk assessments, including one by the NSPCC in 2007, indicated a risk of harm posed by Hindley.
Despite recommendations for restrictions and support, these measures were reportedly not enforced, and the priest continued in his role.
A 2020 report concluded a “low to moderate risk” of inappropriate behavior from Hindley, but he faced ongoing controversy and resistance to removal.
The Church had previously considered dismissing him but was deterred by potential legal challenges. His freehold office, which offered more job protection, complicated matters further.
In 2021, the Cathedral Chapter attempted to retire Hindley on ill-health grounds using a 1949 law, but he challenged this in court. The Church eventually opted for a financial settlement, reflecting a broader failure to act on safeguarding concerns.
Canon Hindley has attributed the allegations to a homophobic campaign against him and claims that any risk assessments were influenced by personal agendas.
Meanwhile, former colleagues and safeguarding experts have criticized the Church for its inadequate response to professional warnings and assessments.
The case has led to calls for urgent reforms in the Church’s safeguarding procedures, emphasizing the need for more effective risk assessments and actions.
The current Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, acknowledges the need for change and emphasizes learning from past mistakes to ensure a safer Church in the future.
Rt Revd Dr Joanne Grenfell has urged the justice secretary to review the case, highlighting the ongoing issues within the Church’s handling of safeguarding matters.
