The Catholic Church has welcomed the launch of an independent inquiry into child abuse in England and Wales and has set up a council to assist with inquiries. The national inquiry will examine 12 different institutions and locations, including the Church of England, Rochdale council and political institutions in Westminster, and will be chaired by Judge Lowell Goddard. Judge Goddard, who led a similar inquiry in New Zealand, said that it was the largest and most ambitious public inquiry ever established in England and Wales. Baroness Nuala O’Loan will chair the Church Council, which will include other representatives of the bishops’ conference and the Conference of Religious. Baroness O’Loan said: “The role of the council is to facilitate and ensure the proper response to the inquiry, which has the Church’s full support. We look forward to hearing their specific requests and will ensure full cooperation with their deliberations.” The 12 establishments that will be investigated are Lambeth council, Nottinghamshire councils; Rochdale council; the Anglican Church; the Catholic Church; custodial institutions; residential schools; the internet; child exploitation by organised networks; children outside of the UK; reparations for victims and survivors; and Westminster. The Church of England has also welcomed the inquiry and requested that it be one of the first institutions investigated. In July last year, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, said: “We’re absolutely clear that the Church of England and other churches need to be involved in this inquiry as we already know there are parts of our history that involve church people having committed abuse. So we have to be investigated just like anybody else and there will probably be some unpleasant and difficult stories to handle and I accept that’s part of the reality.” Meanwhile, a former social worker has been appointed as chairman of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission. Christopher Pearson will replace former chair Danny Sullivan, who stepped down from his role in July to spend more time with his family. Mr Pearson has 20 years’ experience as a member of a diocesan safeguarding body. The national commission is independent and advises bishops on child protection.