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4 CommentsChurch of England press release 06/10/2026
Dame Christine Ryan is to step down from her role as independent Executive Chair of the Safeguarding Structures Programme Board.
A spokesperson for the Archbishops’ Council said:
“We thank Dame Christine Ryan for her contribution to advancing our commitment to independent Church safeguarding. Under her direction as Executive Chair of the Safeguarding Structures Programme Board, we have established a clear vision and much of the detailed design for a new safeguarding structure built on greater independence, accountability, and consistency. This blueprint, subject to final approval, details how the organisation intends to operate in the future.
“The Church of England remains committed to delivering greater independence in safeguarding. The Programme Board was set up to deliver this work, creating a trusted and sustainable safeguarding system that has the confidence of victims and survivors as well as the public and regulators.
“The Programme Board will now continue this important work at pace. It remains on target to meet the key programme milestones for 2026, including launching a standardised complaints process by the end of the year. The transition to the new arrangements will take place in a careful, measured way to ensure there is no impact on day-to-day safeguarding delivery as we continue to strengthen Church safeguarding.”
Church Times news report: Dame Christine Ryan to step down from Safeguarding Structures Programme Board
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On Thursday the Archbishop of Canterbury released a statement announcing that the Bishop of Salisbury, Stephen Lake, has been suspended.
Bishop Stephen Lake
01/10/2026
The two complaints brought against the Bishop of Salisbury, Stephen Lake, under the Clergy Discipline Measure, will now proceed to the next stage and Bishop Stephen has been asked to respond to the allegations. He has been suspended from ministry by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Suspension is a neutral act while the allegations are progressed under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003.
The complaints were brought following allegations of financial misconduct and concerns raised with the National Safeguarding Team relating to his conduct.
The same statement can be found on the Salisbury diocesan website, which carries the additional note that “Bishop Karen [Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne] remains Acting Bishop of Salisbury”.
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