THE Children’s Society has rejected a donation from the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury. The chief executive said that to accept it “would not be consistent with the principles and values” of the charity.
In their email Christmas card, sent on Wednesday, Archbishop Welby and his wife Caroline endorsed the work of the Children’s Society; a post script said that they were donating to the charity.
On Friday, however, the organisation’s chief executive, Mark Russell, said: “After careful consideration, we have respectfully decided not to accept the donation offered by the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury.
“The Children’s Society is deeply committed to supporting the survivors of abuse, our teams support victims of child sexual abuse, and this means that accepting this donation would not be consistent with the principles and values that underpin our work.”
Asked whether donors were routinely screened, a spokesperson for the Children’s Society said: “It’s not about the individual or the institution but rather about making sure that the contribution supports the work we do in a way that is consistent with our principles.”
A spokesperson for Lambeth Palace said that they respected the decision. “The Archbishop of Canterbury shares the principles and values of The Children’s Society and is committed to supporting the survivors of abuse and victims of child sexual abuse. He applauds The Children’s Society for their tireless work in this field,” the spokesperson said.
Online reaction to the Children’s Society’s decision has been mixed. Martin Sewell, a member of the General Synod and a retired lawyer, wrote that, while he had called for Archbishop to resign, “his Christian charity should not be treated as tainted.”
The Priest-in-Charge of St Martin’s, Exning, the Revd Liam Beadle asked: “Who is helped by this aggressive virtue-signalling? Not the children who are meant to be helped by the Children’s Society.”
The Area Dean for Dover, the Revd Dr Andy Bawtree, wrote: “Rather petty from Mark Russell — are all donations vetted for taint?”
Another user of X, however, replied: “I respectfully disagree. A donation made as a public gesture of reputation damage, is not a donation that is made with integrity. Not all donations can be taint free, but this one would lower the tone if accepted. Mark Russell is right.”
In Wednesday’s email, Archbishop Welby and his wife wrote: “This year, we have chosen to make a donation to The Children’s Society, which empowers young people by tackling the adverse conditions that prevent them from flourishing.
“It works with children affected by criminal and sexual exploitation, abuse, poverty, and neglect, as well as young carers and refugees. Through its specialist support, wellbeing and mental health services, the Children’s Society restlessly pursues its goal of a society built for all children.”
The e-card sent by the Welby’s featured a recording of the carol “What Child is This?” performed by St Martin’s Voices, and an image of a glass icon of the Madonna and Child which was presented to Archbishop Welby in Romania.
It also included a verse from Isaiah, along with information about the Children’s Society — the registered name of which is the Church of England’s Children’s Society.
In his statement, Mr Russell commented on the Makin report into the abuse of John Smyth. He said that the charity was “profoundly shocked” by the findings of the Makin report, and that the thoughts of the charity were with all survivors of abuse.
He called on the C of E to “reset its approach to safeguarding and continue to create a safer Church and safer spaces for young people, protected by real accountability and a culture of care”.
The General Synod will decide in February which of two models of independent safeguarding the Church of England should adopt (News, 16 December).