Statement following the tribunal penalty decision regarding Revd Clive Evans
A Church of England Tribunal has published its findings today [Friday 4 March 2022] into The Revd Clive Evans, Vicar of St Peter's, Bromyard. It found that his conduct was unbecoming to the office of a clergy person.
We commend the bravery of those who brought these allegations forward and acknowledge how difficult this would have been. We apologise unreservedly to them for what has happened and for what they have experienced.
As a diocese, we take the safety and wellbeing of everyone very seriously and have robust safeguarding procedures in place.
The Panel's decision is published here and indicates the penalty is a six-month prohibition from any office in the Church of England. He has been removed from his office with immediate effect. [The penalty hearing took place on Thursday 23 February 2022].
In addition to the Panel's penalty decision, an anonymity order has been made, so it is illegal to name or identify the victims in this case.
The Bishop of Hereford, The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, said: "The behaviour of Revd Evans is completely unacceptable, and we will be keeping all those affected by this case in our prayers.
"Clergy are in a privileged position of leadership. Their congregations and the wider community hold them in trust. The professional guidelines to which they are bound make clear that this is a trust that they must not abuse.
"The behaviour and actions of Revd Evans are in no way reflective of acceptable church practice.
"We fully support the findings of the tribunal and the decision to apply the penalty to remove him from office, which takes immediate effect."
"We recognise that there will be many individuals left feeling very hurt by this lengthy process, including the congregation at St Peter's Bromyard.
"We intend to work in partnership with the church community and seek healing and reconciliation for all the individuals affected. My prayer is that through the unfailing grace of God, we can find peace and a way forward in our faith."
"Anyone with any concerns relating to this case, or any other safeguarding matter is encouraged to get in touch directly with one of our safeguarding advisers who will offer confidential support and advice – or to speak with someone else they trust."
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Please contact the Diocese of Hereford Communications team to arrange interviews.
Email: Sarah.Whitelock@hereford.anglican.org
Mobile: 07889 186316
Timetable for publication
The full transcript and penalty decision is reported and published on the Church of England page: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/leadership-and-governance/legal-services/clergy-discipline/tribunal-decisions The President of Tribunals requested a number of redactions to be made to the published version of the report in order to protect the privacy of the individuals involved in this case.
Safeguarding help and support:
The Diocese of Hereford Safeguarding Officer is Mandy McPhee, and she can be contacted by phone or email: https://www.hereford.anglican.org/safeguarding
Safe Spaces – an independent and confidential service supporting survivors of church related abuse.
Website: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 303 1056
A fuller list of organisations offering support to survivors, including therapy and counselling resources, helplines, and self-help resources, is available online: https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safer-church-reporting-support