Jersey Church Abuse Report: Victim against Release

BBC News
January 26, 2015

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-jersey-30984736

HG said the publication of a previous report had left her ill and broken down

The findings of an inquiry into the handling of an allegation of abuse should not be made public, the victim has said.

In 2008, the woman known as HG, made a formal complaint about abuse by a Jersey church warden.

In an email to the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, HG threatened legal action if the report was released.

It follows calls for the report to be published by leading Anglicans.

In the email, HG said the inquiry was a whitewash, lacked independence and its publication could cause her serious harm.

A spokesman representing the bishop, said: "We don't yet have a date for publication, as the Steel Report is currently continuing to be reviewed by legal and safeguarding experts."

The inquiry, led by Dame Heather Steel into the incident, was commissioned alongside a wider review into safeguarding policies being undertaken by Bishop John Gladwin.

The inquiry found no evidence of wrongdoing by Dean Key and recommended no disciplinary action should be taken against any Jersey Anglican clergy member, with the final report kept confidential on legal advice.

The Jersey Deanery synod said the report should be made public in the name of Christian reconciliation, so the episode could be put to rest and the church could move forward.

The saga resulted in the Channel Islands ending their 500-year relationship with Winchester and their moving to the Diocese of Canterbury as part of an interim arrangement.