Cathedral hopes display of 'solidarity' supports abuse victims amid child abuser case
The display comes after a review into prolific abuser John Smyth QC
A cathedral is hoping its display can act as a symbol of support for those who've been abused in light of an abuse scandal associated with the Church of England.
People are being encouraged to tie ribbons on the main gate outside Ely Cathedral as part of its display, which runs until today, to show solidarity for victims of abuse.
By creating a colourful pattern of ribbons, the cathedral hopes to raise awareness of issues including hate crime and domestic violence.
James Reveley is the canon for congregation and community there:
"It's very much giving people an opportunity to make a physical expression of solidarity with people who've suffered abuse," he said.
"The idea is to create a pattern of colourful ribbons on what otherwise is a stark, hard iron gate to bring it some depth and softness as a sign of standing alongside people who've experienced some tough things in life."
The display comes on the same week that Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, resigned after an independent review concluded barrister John Smyth QC abused more than 100 children and young men while associated with the Church of England.
Over five decades between the 1970s until his death, Smyth is said to have subjected as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa to traumatic physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual attacks, permanently marking their lives.
Bishop "deeply sorry" for actions
In a statement, the Right Reverend Stephen Conway - a former Bishop of Ely - said "there were further actions I could have taken" after he was informed of Smyth's abuse.
Bishop Conway added that he was "deeply sorry" for not "rigorously pursuing" the matter.
Canon Reveley hopes the LOUDfence can allow people to make a point.
"We as a national church acknowledge things have gone wrong in the past and we don't want to hide that, we want people to have an opportunity to express that in this way among many other ways," he added.
"People who might come with a story they need to share, we need to be ready to hear that and know what to do with it if some kind of disclosure of abuse is made."
Responding to the review, the Diocese of Ely said it is "committed to fully reviewing and implementing all recommendations to ensure the safety and care of all individuals within our church communities."