Church changes after abuse complaint fall-out

Friday 11 October 2019

Church of England churches in the Channel Islands will be overseen by a new diocese, following a fall-out sparked by a woman’s claim that she was abused by a senior figure in the church.

Anglican churches in Jersey and Guernsey parishes will now be overseen by the Bishop of Salisbury, rather than the Bishop of Winchester.

The episcopal oversight change was the key recommendation of a report by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission.

It comes after a dispute that started in 2013 when a parishioner first raised the safeguarding complaint. 

There was a subsequent investigation, with Jersey’s Dean facing scrutiny over the handling of the complaint. This led to a breakdown in the relationship between the islands and the Bishop of Winchester.

Bishop of Dover Reverend Trevor Wilmott, who retired earlier this year, was subsequently given oversight of the parishes in 2014.

Following his appointment, it was agreed the Archbishop's Commission would look into a long-term plan.

Pictured: Nicholas Holtam. (Ash Mills)

The recent report, which explores a way to move forward, notes that: “Opinions differ on the rights and wrongs of the events leading up to the breakdown of relations and positions on both sides are maintained with considerable passion.

“There is general agreement, however, that a close relationship between the Church in the Islands and some particular English Diocese will best enable the mutual flourishing which all parties desire. There is also sadly general agreement that there is no going back to the connection with Winchester. It is to be hoped that in time some act of reconciliation might be possible which recognises a shared history going back to 1569.”

Speaking of the new arrangement, the Dean of Guernsey, Tim Barker, commented: "We look forward to exploring with the Bishop of Salisbury and his colleagues the development of our mission and ministry in Guernsey, once the Channel Islands deanery synods have accepted the commission's recommendations and legal processes are underway.

"I am grateful to the commissioners for their report and to Bishop Trevor Willmott and the Diocese of Canterbury for their much-valued support in recent years."

The commission started its work last year and visited both Guernsey and Jersey, meeting with civic and church representatives as well as other stakeholders.

"I welcome this report and its recommendations and am grateful to all in the Channel Islands and further afield who have given their time, energy and prayer during the consultation," added the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

"The aim of this commission was to identify an environment in which the church and all who worship in the islands can flourish together in Christ and within the wider life of the Church of England. I believe the recommendations of the report can allow for this to happen." 

The recommendations now go forward to the General Synod and island authorities for consideration. If they are approved, the earliest the attachment to Salisbury could take formal effect would be autumn next year.

"I warmly welcome the commission's recommendations," said the Bishop of Salisbury, Nicholas Holtam. "Together we will explore the opportunities this new relationship brings. I look forward to getting to know the people of the Channel Islands and, when we agree the next steps, will welcome them into our Diocese. 

"We will want a partnership in the Gospel that is good for all of us. A new chapter is opening in our shared life in Christ." 

Bishop Trevor Willmott will continue interim oversight until arrangements are finalised. 

The Archbishop of Canterbury's Commission recently released its final report into the islands and the wider Church of England, with a recommendation that the episcopal oversight be transferred.

Pictured top: Mike Keirle, Nicholas Holtam and Tim Barker. (Ash Mills)