Top Bishop Launches Probe after Kilwinning Priest Is Jailed for Gambling ?96,000 Church Funds
By Peter Diamond
The Diocese of Galloway have confirmed Father Graeme Bell’s future in the church is to be considered. The parishioners of St Mary’s – and St John’s in Stevenston – who have endured a difficult year were also praised by the church who will now hold a ‘church tribunal’ to decide Mr Bell’s fate. A spokesperson said: “This is a sad day for the Diocese of Galloway as Father Graeme Bell is sentenced. “However, given amounts involved it is not surprising he has received a custodial sentence and we hope that in prison he will continue to receive the support he needs and which the diocese has offered him over the past year. READ MORE: Kilwinning priest who gambled ?96,000 of church funds in two months is jailed “This has been a very difficult year for the parishioners of St Mary’s Saltcoats. Unfortunately, until the case went to court, the diocese was not able to make any comment nor correct some of the erroneous speculation which followed. “Now that the case has concluded, Bishop Nolan will be meeting with the parish council of St Mary’s on Thursday evening (16 June) and will celebrate mass in the parish on the weekend of July 8 and 9. “Bishop Nolan wishes to express his gratitude to the parishioners of St Mary’s and St John’s in Stevenston for their patience and fortitude during these very difficult months and to Canon Martin Poland for looking after St Mary’s Saltcoats. When Father Bell first revealed to the diocese that he had misused parish funds for gambling, he was removed from his post and the police were informed. READ MORE: Alleged stolen dog that was missing for eight months is rescued by Irvine police almost 200 miles away “Contrary to some speculation, he had not been under investigation for financial irregularities prior to that, nor were the monies involved from any other funds than from the parish. “With the conclusion of the court case, a church tribunal will now investigate Father Bell’s conduct. Since Father Bell used to work at the tribunal in Scotland, Bishop Nolan will ask the Holy See to appoint a tribunal in England or Ireland to carry out this investigation. READ MORE: Kilwinning radio DJ who made gun threats to school 'in exchange for sex' spared jail “His future in the church will now be the subject of this church tribunal. “The sentence that Father Bell faces and the publicity his conduct and failings have received will be a challenge to him. “We pray, that with God’s help, this low point in his life may become a time of personal and spiritual renewal.”
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