Cleared Vicar Goes Back to Work, by Andrew Ffrench, Oxford Mail [United Kingdom], March 28, 2007

Cleared Vicar Goes Back to Work

By Andrew Ffrench
Oxford Mail [United Kingdom]
March 28, 2007

http://www.oxfordmail.net/display.var.1292777.0.cleared_vicar_goes_back_to_work.php

Residents rallied around Oxford vicar Father Michael Wright as his suspension over unfounded child abuse allegations was lifted.

Father Wright, 69, vicar at St Barnabas Church, Jericho, arrived home at the vicarage on Tuesday after being acquitted at London's Blackfriars Crown Court of six counts of a serious sexual offence and six charges of indecent assault.

His congregation held prayers during the trial, and supporters travelled to the court to hear the verdict.

Father Michael Wright

Father Wright said he would return to the pulpit before his forthcoming retirement.

He voluntarily stood down from his role at the church and as governor of St Barnabas Primary School, and the suspension was confirmed by the Oxford Diocese.

Sarah Meyrick, a spokesman for the Oxford Diocese, said: "Father Michael Wright is no longer suspended and will now resume his duties for the remainder of his time as priest at St Barnabas until his retirement at the start of May."

"We are absolutely thrilled by the verdict, which completely exonerates him."

Congregation members Pat and Emmett Schlueter

She added that he was expected in church on Sunday to perform his usual duties.

Congregation members Pat and Emmett Schlueter, of St Barnabas Street, said: "We are absolutely thrilled by the verdict, which completely exonerates him."

Martin Thomas posted the following comment on this website: "Fr Wright has suffered in the past few months and sometimes we forget who the victim is when false accusations are made."

John Temple, a member of Father Wright's congregation, said: "He is greatly loved, respected and admired by his congregation and others, both within the Anglican community and beyond.

"He has been exemplary in his steadfastness and humility in the face of these outrageous accusations. He said nothing about his accuser, except that he cannot remember him."

Stephen Brown, chairman of governors at St Barnabas Primary School, was unavailable for comment.

Contact: andrew.ffrench@nqo.com