Fr Tom Shields ‘fully Restored to Ministry’ after Historical Abuse Investigation

Scottish Catholic Observer
November 26, 2015

http://www.sconews.co.uk/news/48302/fr-tom-shields-fully-restored-to-ministry-after-historical-abuse-investigation/

Former parish priest of St John the Baptist in Perth as been appointed as parish priest of St Fillan’s Church, Crieff and St Margaret’s Church, Comrie

Fr Tom Shields has been appointed as parish priest of St Fillan’s Church, Crieff and St Margaret’s Church, Comrie, after being restored to ministry in Dunkeld Diocese.

Fr Shields (above) was temporarily removed from parish ministry at St John the Baptist, Perth, in August after a complaint of historical abuse was made against him. The diocese followed national safeguarding protocols, and referred the complaint to police. The police have now confirmed they are not actively investigating, and the Church said their investigation found no evidence of criminality.

“In August, a historical allegation was made against Fr Tom Shields, parish priest of St John the Baptist Church, Perth; he was removed temporarily from parish ministry, while the necessary police and diocesan investigations were conducted,” a Church spokesman said. “This process is now complete and Fr Shields has been fully restored to ministry in the Diocese of Dunkeld.”

Fr Shields bid farewell to parishioners at St John the Baptist in the church newsletter, thanking them for their kindness over the last couple of months.

Canon Martin Drysdale has become parish priest of St John the Baptist.