The Church of England says it has 'information of sexual abuse' by the late David Fletcher.
A statement was issued by the denomination after Channel Four broadcaster Cathy Newman wrote on social media platform X: 'On @channel4news tonight we reveal that the Reverend David Fletcher - the man who instigated the cover-up of John Smyth’s barbaric abuses - HIMSELF allegedly abused multiple girls. Exclusive interviews with three courageous women tonight at 7.'
Fletcher was a former rector of conservative evangelical Anglican church St Ebbe's, Oxford, and also a leader of the Iwerne Camps.
The full Church of England statement says: 'Following the publication of the Makin Review, the National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of Oxford received information of sexual abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour concerning the Revd David Fletcher (deceased) towards women and girls. Revd Fletcher led the Iwerne camps, in Dorset (1967-1986), and subsequently was rector of St Ebbe’s, Oxford (1986-1998). He was also known as "The Honourable".'
The statement continues: 'This has been reported to the police and was recorded as a crime. We thank those who have bravely come forward. Support has been offered to them.
'If anyone is affected by this, and would like to come forward, either for support to disclose, or to share any related information, or for pastoral support, please contact safeguarding@churchofengland.org, or safeguarding@Oxford.anglican.org where a member of the team will treat your concerns with the utmost sensitivity. For those who wish to remain anonymous, they can still seek support through Safe Spaces, an independent service provided by the church.'
The CofE statement concludes: 'Revd Fletcher’s family have been informed and support has been offered.'
