By Richard Castle
Burton Mail
September 25, 2009
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burtonmail-news/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=451702
DIOCESAN chiefs have defended their decision not to tell villagers their vicar had been arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent photographs.
News - Rev Dominic Stone, the vicar of Marchington, Marchington Woodlands, Kingstone and Church LeighRev Dominic Stone, the vicar of Marchington, Marchington Woodlands, Kingstone and Church Leigh, has been on bail since February.
The Diocese of Lichfield has consistently refused to tell the 46-yearold's parishioners why he has not conducted a service since then.
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Now diocesan spokesman Gavin Drake has slammed the Mail for revealing yesterday what has happened and publishing comments from villagers criticising the diocese.
He said: "The Mail uses un-named sources to make serious accusations that we have engaged in a 'coverup', then state the 'crime' is being investigated by police.
"How can there be a cover-up when the appropriate authority is conducting an investigation? "There's a significant difference between covering something up and not being open with the public about an ongoing police investigation." Mr Drake said it was up to police what information was made public and that the diocese stayed tightlipped so as not to "jeopardise any investigation".
He said: "It is rare for a priest to be charged with a serious offence, but the diocese's policy is to tell the media when one of its priests has been charged.
"It's equally possible evidence gathered by police does not support the allegations made.
"Then, it's right and proper the person concerned should be protected from public scrutiny.
"It isn't right that a person who hasn't been formally charged or accused of an offence should have their name dragged through the media when they're unable, because of ongoing police investigations, to offer any public defence."
Church of England policy dictates that clergy under investigation for suspected indecent images offences are "suspended without prejudice".
This is to "ensure the protection of children", protect the priest and give them "space" to co-operate with police without the "strain" of their parish duties.
Mr Drake said: "If a priest under investigation is cleared and internal studies provide no reason why they shouldn't return to work, they have their suspension lifted and return to work.
"It is very difficult for this to happen if the priest has been branded by false accusations in the media."
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