By Linton Besser and Jacqueline Maley
Sydney Morning Herald
May 14, 2010
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/priest-defrocked-over-sexual-misconduct-20100513-v1w3.html
 |
| Drummed out of the church ... John Gumbley, who denies he did wrong. Photo by Kitty Hill |
AN ANGLICAN priest has been defrocked after a professional standards board discovered he had engaged in multiple sexual liaisons, including with at least one woman from his parish.
The Reverend John Gumbley, the Rector of St Marks Parish at Terrigal, was deposed from his holy orders by the Bishop of Newcastle, Dr Brian Farran, last week, after only 18 months at the parish.
Nine allegations against the priest were deemed proven by the board, which was run by a retired magistrate. Mr Gumbley was stood down from his position last September while investigations were undertaken by the Newcastle Diocese.
Last night Dr Farran said: ''Following serious allegations of misconduct against a priest of this diocese, and based on recommendations from the Diocesan Professional Standards Board, I have found it necessary to take action.''
At least one of those allegations related to a sexual encounter with a woman who volunteered at the Central Coast parish. None of the allegations was of a criminal nature, but church doctrine dictates sexual relations between a priest and anyone else must be sanctioned by the hierarchy.
This episode was viewed by Dr Farran as a violation of trust between a priest and those who worked under him, the Herald has established.
But last night Mr Gumbley strongly denied any misconduct and said he was seeking to appeal against the decision of the Bishop in the NSW Supreme Court.
''The process of investigating this matter was deeply flawed,'' he said.
''I tried to get an injunction to slow them down and give myself a chance to properly defend myself. There was a reliance on evidence which was illegally obtained.''
The allegations against Mr Gumbley surfaced during a torrid period. At least three staff had resigned in protest at his leadership, and numerous parish members had lodged complaints about him.
The Herald understands the 40-year-old had continued to engage in sexual relations with at least one former parishioner from Melbourne during his time on the Central Coast.
Dr Farran said he deposed Mr Gumbley in accordance with the recommendations of the standards board, which meat he ''can no longer practice as a priest of the Anglican Church''.
''I have a great responsibility in protecting vulnerable people who approach the church for support and care,'' he said.
Do you know more?
Contact: investigations@smh.com.au
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.