Sarah Mullally, the newly appointed archbishop of Canterbury, has made a strong commitment to restoring trust in the Church of England's handling of abuse cases, acknowledging past failures in the institution’s approach. During her speech to the General Synod, Mullally highlighted the need for 'proper independence' when addressing allegations of abuse, especially pertaining to children and vulnerable adults. This commitment comes in the wake of extensive criticism aimed at the church for its internal management of abuse claims, often perceived as inadequate and lacking transparency.

Mullally steps into her role as archbishop after her predecessor, Justin Welby, departed following a particularly troubling report regarding John Smyth, a barrister who was implicated in the serious abuse of young boys. The findings of this report prompted widespread calls for accountability and reform within the church. Mullally’s pledge to tackle these issues is seen as crucial not only for the church's reputation but also for restoring faith among congregants and the wider community who have been let down by past mishandlings of serious allegations.

As the church moves forward, Mullally's leadership and the promises she has made will be closely scrutinized. Her approach aims to establish a more robust framework for dealing with allegations of abuse, ensuring that the Church of England adheres to a higher standard of accountability and support for victims. This change is essential in regaining the confidence of parishioners and society at large, who demand a church that is not only a spiritual leader but also a safe and trustworthy institution.