Child Sex Abuse Allegations Covered Up by Church in Wales, Report Reveals

The Church in Wales has been accused of covering up allegations of child sexual abuse by a priest who later became a bishop, according to a report. The findings reveal that concerns about Anthony Pierce, who was later appointed Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, were raised multiple times between 1986 and 2010, yet no action was taken. The report, led by barrister Gabrielle Higgins, describes a culture of silence and inaction within the church, where allegations were dismissed and ignored.

Four Archbishops of Wales, including Dr Rowan Williams, were mentioned in the report, which highlights a “catalogue of failures” in the church’s handling of the case. The alleged victim, a 15-year-old boy, is now deceased, and his mother expressed deep disappointment, stating that “nobody cared, nobody was listening” and that it was “too little too late for him.” The mother described the church as an institution that prioritized its reputation over the well-being of its members.

Current Archbishop Cherry Vann acknowledged the review’s findings, describing the church’s response as marked by “missed opportunities, harmful assumptions and inadequate processes.” The report details how Pierce, who was jailed last year for historical sexual abuse of another boy, was allowed to rise through the ranks despite knowledge of the allegations. The church’s failure to act allowed him to serve as a bishop for nine years.

The first concerns about Pierce were raised by male students at Swansea University in 1986, when he was a chaplain. These concerns were uncovered through a BBC Wales investigation into historic abuse within the Church. The report states that the allegations were brought to the then Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, Benjamin Vaughan, but no action was taken. In 1993, Brenda, the mother of the alleged victim, made an allegation of sexual assault by Pierce, who at the time was in his late 40s. Pierce implicitly admitted to inappropriate behavior with the boy, but his resignation was refused, and no further action was taken.

Source: Read the original report