Fulwood says: ‘We are sorry’

Christ Church Fulwood, one of the biggest conservative evangelical churches in the country, has admitted that it allowed a ‘culture of secrecy’ to develop after it emerged a senior staff member resigned after an ‘inappropriate relationship’.

Tim Cudmore, Director of Ministry and also Safeguarding Officer at the Anglican church, quit in 2018 after allegations about his behaviour with a ‘young female member’ of the congregation came to light, it has now been revealed. Cudmore is said to have ‘initiated and pressured her into inappropriate physical contact, including touching her over and under clothes’, according to ‘church documents’ shown to the Sheffield Star.

The Star stated: ‘In 2015, Mr Cudmore had admitted to the then vicar, Canon Paul Williams, an earlier incident, involving a different female member of the congregation ... Although he was asked to step back temporarily from leading services, no formal action was taken at the time, nor were any records made.’