AUSTRALIA
The Australian
CHIEF COURT REPORTER SEAN FEWSTER THE ADVERTISER DECEMBER 23, 2013
THE Anglican Church has the legal right to investigate and internally discipline priests accused of bad behaviour, the state’s highest court has ruled.
In a unanimous decision this morning, the Full Court of the Supreme Court granted orders sought by the Anglican Church in Australia and the Diocese of the Murray.
Chief Justice Chris Kourakis and Justices Tom Gray and David Peek declared the Church’s Professional Standards Board had the right to investigate and discipline controversial priest Peter Coote.
They further ruled an independent review of that board’s decision to be invalid.
The judgment means there is no avenue for disgruntled former priests to file civil claims over their sackings or disciplinings.
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