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  Retired Priest Faces Sex Abuse Charges

By Erica Bajer
Chatham Daily News
January 14, 2010

http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2260154

CANADA -- A former Anglican minister is facing historical sexual offences after a woman came forward and reported alleged abuse.

Meurig Pari Lloyd, a 79-year-old Chatham man, is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of gross indecency, two counts of intercourse with a girl under 14 and indecent assault on a female.

Det. Jim Niven, of the Chatham-Kent Police Service's major crime unit, said the alleged incidents happened more than 40 years ago.

The crimes allegedly took place inside St. Paul's Anglican Church, Holy Trinity Church and a private residence.

The complainant, who resides in Chatham-Kent, recently disclosed to police incidents she claims happened when she was between the ages of eight and 15.

Niven said it's not uncommon for a sexual assault victim to wait decades before coming forward.

"People that are victims of sexual abuse . . . deal with it in many ways," he said. "People come forward for different reasons at different times.

"A lot of people live with this for years and years."

Niven said Lloyd served in various Anglican churches in Chatham in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including St. Paul's and the former St. John's. He was a member of Holy Trinity Church, the detective said.

Lloyd also ministered in northern Ontario and Manitoba from 1981-1995.

Niven said Lloyd retired in 1995.

He lives in Chatham and continues to minister part-time in the Rodney and West Lorne areas.

Rev. Brenda Clark, of Grace Church in West Lorne, has worked with Lloyd for the past two years.

"I do have good things to say about him," she said when contacted by The Chatham Daily News. "He has provided a very loving ministry in the congregation of Grace Church."

She said Lloyd is well-liked by the parishioners and she expects news of his charges will come as a shock.

"He's always presented himself as a very fine man," she said.

Clark didn't comment on the specifics of the charges against Lloyd, however she said it's hard to hear about sexual abuse by members of the clergy.

"It upsets me very much because I know that it happens," she said.

Rev. Keith Nethery, of the Anglican Diocese of Huron, said he heard about the charges through media reports.

"The diocese had no previous knowledge of the investigation and has not been contacted by the Chatham police force," he said.

"Diocesan officials continue to investigate and will make further comment when appropriate."

Nethery said Lloyd has been suspended from the limited duties he was performing in retirement.

Lloyd couldn't be reached for comment.

Niven said police want to ensure there are no other alleged victims.

"The investigation is ongoing and we're still following up leads," the detective said.

Anyone with information that may assist with this ongoing investigation is asked to contact Niven at 519-436-6600 ext. 280 or the major crime unit at 519-436-6616. Anonymous callers can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

The charges Lloyd faces reflect the wording that appeared in the Criminal Code at the time of the alleged offences. The names of the charges have been changed over the years and no longer appear in the Criminal Code.

Lloyd is scheduled to appear in court March 16.

 
 

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