Church Minister Arrested over Allegation of Historic Child Sex Abuse

Wales Online
October 24, 2013

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/church-minister-arrested-over-allegation-6229849

A minister has been suspended from duties at two chapels

A church minister has been arrested over an allegation of historical child abuse.

The man, from Johnstown, Carmarthen, has been suspended from duties at two chapels pending the outcome of a police investigation.

Dr Geraint Tudur, general secretary of the Union of Welsh Independents, told the BBC his members were "naturally traumatised".

Dyfed Powys Police said: "An 81-year-old man was arrested in connection with an historic allegation of sexual activity with a minor.

"He remains on police bail while enquiries continue."

Dr Tudur said: "As a charity which offers our members legal and pastoral support, we advised the churches involved to suspend their minister at once, pending the outcome of the investigation.

"This advice was immediately acted upon by church trustees.

"The church members are naturally traumatised by this development and the union is giving them continuing pastoral support."

A statement from the group added: "The union has no power to enforce CRB [Criminal Records Bureau] checks and registration, although it regularly and strongly urges local churches to ensure that the procedure is followed."