Statement from Alexander Kubeyinje, Church of England's national safeguarding director following publication of lessons learnt review into the late Revd Trevor Devamanikkam

What happened in this case makes for incredibly harrowing reading and I apologise for the hurt and harm caused to the survivor. The review was to highlight failures and how the Church can and must learn from its past mistakes.

If we are to be true to our words that we want change then there is a responsibility that senior leaders would want and need assurances that lessons are learnt.

I support the Bishop of Newcastle’s decision completely as responding well to victims and survivors is a core part of the Church’s safeguarding and this review is part of this, we have a duty to and must do better.