Church must learn from abuse victims, says Catholic Archbishop Richard Moth

During his formal installation ceremony at Westminster Cathedral, Archbishop Richard Moth, the newly appointed leader of Catholics in England and Wales, openly acknowledged the Church’s shortcomings, particularly concerning the abuse suffered by vulnerable individuals. His address underscored the importance of addressing these failures honestly and engaging with those who have been deeply affected.

Archbishop Moth, who is the 12th to hold the position of Archbishop of Westminster, succeeded Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who retired in December after a 16-year tenure. Before his new role, Moth served as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton for ten years. Since his appointment by the Vatican in December, he has emphasized the ongoing need to focus on social justice and church accountability.

Among the attendees was the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, who warmly welcomed Moth’s appointment. She commended his “deep concern for the dignity of every person” and expressed eagerness to collaborate with him to strengthen Christian witness. During the ceremony, Archbishop Moth performed traditional rites, including blessing the congregation with holy water and processing through the nave of the cathedral, symbolizing his formal assumption of office.

In his speech to around 2,000 faithful gathered at the cathedral, Archbishop Moth highlighted the Church’s essential evangelical mission, acknowledging that it had been weakened by issues related to love, power, and self-control. He stressed the need to listen to and learn from those who have suffered within the Church. He also touched on broader humanitarian concerns, calling attention to the need to uphold peace, protect the vulnerable, respect human dignity, and respond compassionately to refugees and the displaced, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to these critical matters

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