The Church of England must commit itself to the long work of rebuilding trust if it is to be a credible witness to the gospel and to society, General Synod heard this week during a debate introduced by the Bishop Debbie.
Introducing the final report of the Church's six-year Trust and Trustworthiness Project, Bishop Debbie, who has taken on the role of Lead Bishop for Trust and Accountability following Bishop Martin’s retirement, described the report as the culmination of extensive research and theological reflection into how trust can be built, sustained and restored across the life of the Church. Watch the debate below:
Drawing on research involving interviews with clergy, lay people, bishops, archdeacons and staff across the Church, Professor Veronica Hope Hailey told Synod that while interpersonal trust remains strong at parish level, institutional trust has become a more significant challenge. She highlighted concerns about accountability, governance, culture and the impact of divisive behaviour, including on social media, while also describing the remarkable commitment and resilience shown by clergy and volunteers across the Church.
Alongside the research findings, theologian Professor David Ford argued that trust is not merely an organisational issue but lies at the heart of Christian faith itself. Trust, he said, is foundational to the Church’s life, mission and witness, rooted in trust in God and reflected in relationships of unity, accountability and love.
Opening the debate, Bishop Debbie urged Synod members to reflect honestly on the Church’s culture. She reminded members that trust grows slowly and is rebuilt through consistent behaviour, clear leadership, healthy relationships and accountable decision-making. Echoing the words of Archbishop Sarah Mullally, she said: ‘If hope is the fruit, trust is the root’
Importantly, she stressed that rebuilding trust requires more than reflection. The House of Bishops is already giving renewed attention to accountability and support for bishops and clergy, while also commissioning a review of its own culture and governance. Together, she said, these initiatives demonstrate a commitment not only to improving structures and processes but also to strengthening the trustworthiness of Church leadership.
Contributors to the debate raised a wide range of issues including safeguarding, theological disagreement, the impact of Covid-19, financial pressures, clergy wellbeing and the need for practical action alongside cultural change. Several speakers emphasised the importance of creating a culture where people with differing views can continue to work together in humility and mutual respect.
Responding to the debate, Bishop Debbie welcomed the breadth and honesty of the contributions. She acknowledged concerns about safeguarding, the lasting impact of the pandemic, clergy exhaustion and financial pressures, while affirming that both cultural change and practical reform are needed. She also highlighted the importance of drawing on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and of learning to work together with humility, respect and love.
As Bishop Debbie told Synod, the task before the Church is not one of quick fixes, but of sustained, collective effort: creating the conditions in which trust can grow again and enabling the Church more fully to live out its vocation as ‘a trustworthy body in service of God and society.’