Anglican Church Strips Former Archdeacon Peter Coote of Clergy Position over Sexual Abuse Allegations

ABC News
August 9, 2014

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-09/anglican-church-revokes-license-archdeacon-peter-coote/5660292?section=sa

The Diocese of The Murray has revoked the licence of former archdeacon Peter Coote following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

The decision means Mr Coote can no longer hold any office or position as a member of the clergy within the South Australian diocese.

It came after more than 10 years of investigations and hearings by the Anglican Church Professional Standards Boards and reviews of their findings and recommendations.

Mr Coote was the parish priest at Happy Valley when he became the subject of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour complaints involving three women in the southern suburbs in 2004.

At that time Mr Coote was reprimanded.

An internal church investigation took place three years later when the Anglican Church's Professional Standards Board decided to stand Mr Coote down.

Mr Coote took legal action to have the matter independently assessed.

Last year the full bench of the Supreme Court ruled that the church had the legal right to investigate and discipline priests.

Bishop of the Murray John Ford said the decision to revoke Mr Coote's licence had finally resolved the matter.

He said Mr Coote would no longer be the parish priest at Happy Valley and could not hold a position with the Diocese of the Murray.

"I would like to assure everyone who has been affected by inappropriate or wicked behaviour by any minister of the church, it's just totally unacceptable," he said.

Bishop Ford said he would advise bishops around Australia of the decision and would speak to parishioners from Happy Valley.