BishopAccountability.org
	Three Anglican Ministers Suspended by Church By Dan Proudman The Herald October 14, 2009 http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/three-anglican-ministers-suspended-by-church/1648393.aspx THREE Newcastle Anglican clergy have been stood down pending an investigation into possible criminal conduct. Police will meet Newcastle diocesan officials to discuss the "serious allegations" made against the three priests by an adult who had approached the church interstate. The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Dr Brian Farran, confirmed yesterday he had stood down two of the clergy after becoming aware of the allegations last Thursday. The third priest had his licence suspended yesterday. The exact nature of the allegations, including where and when it is alleged to have occurred, has not been made clear other than they were of a "historic nature". One person has made the complaint against the three men. Dr Farran said the men were accused of "examinable conduct", which meant "that they've infringed the code of professional standards of the church". He said the clergy would be offered counselling. "They cannot exercise any priestly function at the moment," Dr Farran said. He said the diocesan professional standards unit had been contacted by an interstate diocese over the allegations last Thursday. He said he would not comment further on the allegations because it could "complicate the investigation". It is not believed NSW police were aware of the allegations until yesterday and last night released a statement saying the investigation was in its "early stages" and it would be inappropriate to comment further. "NSW police are to meet with the Anglican diocese in relation to allegations of a criminal matter against three of their clergy," a police spokesman read from a statement. Dr Farran said the diocese had implemented "strong policies in relation to professional standards". "These policies will be adhered to and the diocese will co-operate with police," he said.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.