One of the church communities most closely associated with Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq has said his paid work with them is under review, and they have reiterated that he has had no involvement with the church since he was arrested in July.
Following Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq’s appearance in Guernsey’s Magistrate Court last week, after he was charged with numerous offences, two churches he was previously involved with released updated public statements.
The churches have both urged those impacted by the shocking news of his arrest and charging to contact an independent, Christian safeguarding service.
Six days ago Deputy Le Tocq was remanded in custody, after being charged with eight offences.
The charges include, making at least 1,400 indecent images of children, possessing “extremely pornographic images that portray a relevant act”, and sending messages and images of an indecent character on X (formerly twitter) through multiple accounts.
The charges were described in court as being so serious that the matter will have to be sent up to the island’s Royal Court.
Deputy Le Tocq has not entered any pleas to the charges.
Earlier this week Policy and Resources suggested the senior politician be removed from the committee for “practical reasons” as he is currently unable to do any work.
An ordained minister, he has been active in Christian ministry since 1980 and has maintained his religious work alongside his political work while an elected States member.
Deputy Le Tocq has been with The Rock Community Church since 1983, serving as senior pastor for over twenty years, up until 2013.
Then following changes to leadership at the church he did join the church’s Leadership Team in March 2022.
He’s also assisted other churches in France, where he has a second home.
In a statement the church has expressed concern for islanders potentially impacted by the allegations against Deputy Le Tocq.
The spokesperson confirmed he hasn’t been involved with the church since his arrest in July, and urged anyone impacted by the allegations to contact an “independent safeguarding organisation”, thirtyone:eight.
You can read the Rock Community Church’s statement in full below:
Deputy Le Tocq has also been involved with New Ground Churches since its formation in 2013. It is a religious organisation that looks to grow contemporary evangelical churches across the world.
Express reached out for comment, with New Ground shedding further light on his involvement with the organisation this morning.
A spokesperson said they “are shocked and deeply disturbed by the charges and are praying for anyone who has been harmed or affected”.
He had served on the New Ground Core Team, with a focus on supporting churches in France, and also spoke at events throughout the organisation.
Following his arrest in late July, the spokesperson said he was immediately stood down from all responsibilities within New Ground.
They confirmed Deputy Le Tocq’s employment with The Rock Community Church, which is funded by New Ground, is currently under review, pending the investigation and ongoing court case.
They also directed anyone impacted to contact thirtyone:eight, and said anyone who has been impacted is encouraged to call them for independent support on 0303 003 1111.
They added that they should also contact local law enforcement directly to report a crime, and that Pastoral care is also being offered by the church to those in need.
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, whilst Guernsey Police can be reached on 01481 222222.
