Clergy Discipline

A high standard of integrity and service is expected of our Clergy. Mostly that standard is met, but occasionally individual Clergy can fall short of what is expected. When this occurs there are different ways to respond:

1. When it is a minor incident or behavior, you are encouraged to share your disappointment with the clergy person concerned and resolve it together.
2. When that is insufficient, a word with the Area Dean or the Archdeacon will lead to someone on the bishop’s staff speaking to the member of the clergy concerned, so that the matter is dealt with and rectified informally.
3. If the problem is more serious and may amount to misconduct that warrants disciplinary action, the provisions of the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 may be required. The Measure provides a procedure for handling such complaints of misconduct and refers to any member of the clergy, including the Bishop of Hereford.

More information on the clergy discipline process can be found on the Church of England Website.

At whatever level you are concerned, please be assured that your complaint will be taken seriously.

Penalties under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003

Records of Tribunal decisions can be accessed on the Church of England website.

Entries will be removed after 5 years, except in the following cases:

(i) a rebuke – the entry will be removed at the end of 1 year;

(ii) an injunction – the entry will be removed at the end of the period during which the injunction has been operative;

(iii) removal from office – the entry will be removed if the cleric re-enters ministry before the period of 5 years has expired.

(iv) prohibition – the entry will be removed at the end of the prohibition if the period is longer than 5 years.

Clergy Discipline Measure

Notices of findings and penalties given to clergy in the Diocese of Hereford