Chichester Cathedral centre renamed George Bell House

4 Canon Lane, which is being renamed George Bell House. (Photo: Chichester Cathedral)

George Bell's name is to be reinstated at a Chichester Cathedral centre for vocation, education and reconciliation - three issues that were close to the late bishop's heart.

His name was removed from the building in 2016, a year after sexual abuse allegations against him were made public. 

The claims were later deemed to be "unfounded" by an independent inquiry and the Church of England apologised for its handling of the allegations. 

Chichester Cathedral said the decision to remove Bishop Bell's name and re-designate the centre as 4 Canon Lane was "motivated by a desire to do the right thing by the complainant".

"The decision was made in good faith under deeply sensitive circumstances. However, the Chapter acknowledges that this decision was deficient and apologises for this," it said. 

4 Canon Lane is a beautiful former archdeaconry built in the late 19th century and situated within the historic Cathedral Close. 

In 2008, it was gifted to the cathedral in memory of Bishop Bell by the Sisters of the Community of the Servants of the Cross. 

It primarily acts as a centre for vocation, education and reconciliation - three issues that were close to Bishop Bell's heart, but it also provides guest house accommodation to visitors to Chichester. 

4 Canon Lane will now become George Bell House. The cathedral said that the title of 4 Canon Lane will continue to be used for some commercial activities.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Hillsong founder Brian Houston denies posting porn to X
Hillsong founder Brian Houston denies posting porn to X

Days after an explicit pornographic video appeared on his X account, Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston sought to assure supporters that he doesn't watch pornography and alleged that someone with access to one of his devices compromised the account.

Holy Land leader welcomes release of Palestinian Anglican held by Israel
Holy Land leader welcomes release of Palestinian Anglican held by Israel

Many of the details surrounding Layan Nasir's case remain unclear.

Government fund for historic churches opens for submissions
Government fund for historic churches opens for submissions

The government's handling of funding for historic churches has been criticised.

‘We’ve had nothing like this’ - over 30,000 attend historic Franklin Graham evangelical gathering in Belarus
‘We’ve had nothing like this’ - over 30,000 attend historic Franklin Graham evangelical gathering in Belarus

The two-day “Festival of Hope”, organised by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), drew almost 31,000 people to Chizhovka Arena in the Belarusian capital.