A statement from the President and Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
“Yesterday’s news of the charges brought against Bishop David Oakley is deeply distressing for all, both within the Catholic community and beyond.
“We are profoundly aware that the report of this allegation may reawaken painful memories for many people and again offer an unreserved apology to those who have been hurt by abuse in the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
“In this moment we would like to provide pastoral reassurance on the commitment of the Church to safeguarding.
“The Catholic Church in England and Wales maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in the Church and in wider society, and we are cooperating fully with the statutory authorities.
“Our immediate focus is on providing pastoral support and ensuring that we, as the Church, can continue our mission safely and transparently.
“Anybody who comes to our parishes, schools and communities must be safe and we are resolute in our commitment to safeguarding.
“We reiterate the open invitation from the bishops to meet with and listen to victims and survivors, so that we can learn from and be guided by their experiences as we continue to make our communities safe places.
“We are committed to continual review and development, assisted by the independent auditing work of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, so that all our communities are places of safety and sanctuary for all.”
Archbishop Richard Moth President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Archbishop of Westminster
Archbishop Bernard Longley Vice-President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Archbishop of Birmingham
June 25 2026
Safeguarding is everybody’s business!
Safeguarding really is everybody’s business, and it is taken very seriously in our Dioceses of Hallam, Leeds and Middlesbrough.
Anyone perceiving the danger of immediate or imminent harm to a child, adult at risk or other vulnerable person should call the police on 999.
For all other concerns, queries or enquiries in the Diocese of Middlesbrough, our safeguarding team has its own pages on the diocesan website and is available to listen and to provide advice and support whenever it is needed.
The team is based at the Curial Offices, 50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough TS5 6QT and may be contacted by telephone via 01642 850505 Option 2 and by emailing safeguarding@rcdmidd.org.uk.
For Diocese of Leeds safeguarding, visit dioceseofleeds.org.uk/safeguarding.
For Diocese of Hallam safeguarding, visit hallam-diocese.com/safeguarding.
Bishop Marcus has contacted clergy and parishioners to acknowledge that this is a difficult time for everyone affected by this news, and asks for prayers for all those involved.
He also asks especially to pray for all victims and survivors and their families, for whom this recent news may evoke particularly distressing thoughts and feelings.
