The trust is plummeting.
The Church of England (CoE) is experiencing a significant decline in trust among Anglicans, following a series of scandals that have shaken the institution. A recent poll reveals that fewer churchgoers now have a positive view of the CoE, highlighting growing dissatisfaction within its community.
According to a YouGov survey conducted between February 2 and 3, the CoE’s favorability rating has dropped to 25%, down from 32% in November. Meanwhile, unfavorable opinions have risen to 49%, up from 39%. Among self-identified Anglicans, 54% expressed a positive view in the latest poll, compared to 66% in November, while those with negative views increased from 21% to 32%. Many respondents attributed their dissatisfaction to multiple abuse scandals and the CoE’s failure to address safeguarding issues effectively.
The resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in November followed an inquiry revealing that he had not promptly reported allegations of serial abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps. This inquiry also sparked investigations into other CoE officials. Among the most prominent figures involved was John Smyth, whose alleged abuse was widely criticized for the lack of action taken by senior church leaders.
The CoE has faced several other high-profile cases, further damaging its reputation. In December, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell faced pressure to resign after it was revealed that he had not dismissed a priest who had been previously banned from working alone with children. Cottrell claimed he lacked the legal grounds to act at the time. More recently, on January 31, Bishop of Liverpool John Perumbalath resigned after allegations of sexual assault and harassment, which he denied. A bishop in Warrington was also implicated in related complaints.
Some senior church members acknowledged the challenge these controversies posed to the CoE’s reputation, particularly at a national level. Bishop Philip North of Blackburn admitted that the CoE still holds credibility locally but noted that significant work was needed to regain trust. The poll also indicated that 50% of Britons support the disestablishment of the CoE, with only 23% favoring its continued status as the national church. Rev. Marcus Walker, rector of Great St. Bart’s in London, highlighted the collapse of trust across the church’s spectrum and pointed to controversies over same-sex unions as a key factor in the erosion of confidence.