UNITED KINGDOM
Diocese of Chichester, Church of England
The Diocese of Chichester can confirm that two men, a retired Bishop aged 80 and a retired priest aged 67, were arrested this morning, Tuesday the 13th November, by detectives from Sussex Police. These arrests relate to allegations of sexual abuse in the 1980s and 1990s. We can confirm that the retired Bishop has had no ministry in Sussex for many years and no longer lives in this area. The retired priest has had his Permission to Officiate suspended.
These arrests occur as part of an investigation in which the Diocese of Chichester has been working closely with Sussex Police. We have also been working closely with Elizabeth Hall, the National Safeguarding Adviser for the Church of England, and Kate Wood, the safeguarding consultant appointed by the Church of England to compile a file of evidence that was handed to Sussex Police in May.
Our cooperation with Sussex police in this investigation continues our ongoing commitment to do all that is necessary to bring any alleged criminal matters to the attention of the public authorities, and to ensure that the Diocese of Chichester is a safe place for all in our church communities, whilst being an unsafe place for any who may seek to abuse them.
A special helpline has been set up for anyone who feels they need support or advice whenever learning of this or any similar cases. The helpline is staffed by the NSPCC and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Where appropriate, callers will be referred to specially trained police officers and, if required, a range of counselling services, who are able to offer expert support to those who come forward. Funding is available for counselling for people who are directly affected by these events.
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