George Bell (1883-1958), Bishop of Chichester, was one of the most important and influential figures in the Anglican Church in the 20th century. He repeatedly condemned Nazi oppression of Christians in Germany before the Second World War; during it he was the leading critic of the carpet bombing of German cities. Though controversial in politics, he commanded immense respect as a man of God.
Suddenly, a few months ago, the diocese of Chichester issued a statement declaring that Bishop Bell had sexually abused a child in the late 1940s. Deep concern has been expressed in many quarters about the way in which the Church reached its decision. Alistair Lexden took up the issue in a short debate on Church of England matters in the Lords on January 28.
Follow the link to his comments and the Bishop of Durham’s reply… Hansard