Jersey Church Abuse Complaint Report "Should Be Made Public"

BBC News
December 2, 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-25190712

Politicians have urged Jersey's chief minister to push for the publication of a report into an abuse complaint handled by the island's Anglican Dean.

The review into how the complaint was dealt with found no action should be taken against any clergy members.

Last month, the Bishop of Winchester said the findings would not be made public on legal advice.

Jersey's Chief Minister Ian Gorst said he expected that once the report had been finalised it would be released.

Former High Court judge Dame Heather Steel, who led the review, is currently working on a final report for the diocese.

'Hurt and disquiet'

Senator Gorst is due to meet with the Bishop at Lambeth, the Right Reverend Nigel Stock, and the Bishop of Dover, the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, who are due to make a pastoral visit to the island this month.

He said he would tell the bishops of the "deep hurt and disquiet" felt by members of the community over the actions of the diocese, including the two-month suspension of the Dean Bob Key.

In response to questions about possible changes to the relationship between the island's church, the diocese and the Church of England, Senator Gorst said this was not something he planned to raised with the bishops.

He said: "The relationship between church and state is even stronger here in Jersey than it is I believe in the UK.

"We must support that and maintain it into the future as it is part of what makes Jersey unique."

Senator Gorst said this should not overshadow discussions about how vulnerable people are dealt with in the community and within the church.