The investigation into allegations against the Rt Revd Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester, has been dropped.
BBC News reports that The Bishop of Gloucester is to face no further action by police over two allegations of indecent assault.
The Gloucestershire Citizen also carries the story here with slightly more detail:
A statement from Bishop of Durham, Rt Revd Paul Butler, Lead Bishop on Safeguarding for the Church of England said: “We can confirm that we have been notified by the Metropolitan Police that following enquiries they are to take no further action regarding the allegations made against the Rt Revd Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester.
…
“We would ask for continuing prayers for all of those affected by these events and those involved in ongoing processes.“
Bishop Michael said: “It was right that the allegations should be fully investigated and I am gratified that the police have completed the investigation and concluded that there are no grounds for further action to be taken
“My family and I are profoundly grateful for all the support and affirmation we have received through this very difficult time.”
Bishop Michael will not yet return to his post until due church processes have been concluded.
However he hopes the process will conclude in time for him to return to his post before he is due to retire as planned in November. https://australiacasinoonline.com/5-dollars-minimum-deposit-casinos-australia/
We earlier reported the news that Bishop Michael was ‘stepping back’ from his role in the diocese of Gloucester, pending his retirement in November.
It must have been a ghastly time for him.
Unfortunately, clergy especially are nowadays vulnerable to accusations that can come from anonymous sources however ludicrous. The clergy are then immediately suspended and suspected for what is often a prolonged period.
This is all getting out of hand but it is difficult to see what can be done to prevent such consequences in the current febrile atmosphere.
I’m not aware of the police investigating anonymous accusations. It would be almost a waste of time without having somewhere from which to begin the investigating.
Perhaps you’ve not been molested yourself or had a close family member/friend molested by predatory priests. Child abuse is not a ludicrous matter.
That, Concerned, is one of many reasons why clergy ought to join unions.
This is a difficult one.
Clerical abuse was/is devastating and destroying.
While police may not act on anonymous accusations, others do.
I guess Bro David has not been investigated following such an accusation , nor has he been arrested following a malicious accusation. I have seen these destroy individuals and families too.
Lets hope no one follows the “that he wasn’t found guilty doesn’t prove he didn’t do it” line we are so used to.
If I remember earlier reports correctly, I don’t think children were involved – even in allegations.
I now think that I was wrong, there was an under 18 year old mentioned.