Leading conservative evangelical Anglican church St Ebbe's Oxford says it is 'shocked' by allegations of 'sexual abuse' against its former Rector, the late David Fletcher.
Responding to a statement from the Church of England, reported elsewhere on en, St Ebbe's says: 'We were very shocked to hear of allegations concerning David Fletcher of sexual abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour towards women and girls (see the Oxford Diocese statement here).
'We hold all victims and survivors of abuse in our prayers, hoping profoundly for their healing and recovery, and are praying very much for those who have come forward and for all those who are most affected by this announcement.
'David Fletcher was Rector of St Ebbe’s from 1986-1998 and remained a congregation member until he died three years ago. His death means we cannot ask him the questions we all seek answers to. We do not know the details of the allegations ourselves and are therefore unable to answer questions in relation to them.
'Since 2017, by which time David Fletcher was very unwell and had ceased doing any ministry, St Ebbe’s received reports from two women about him having been inappropriately tactile with them. These were referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. No other concerns have been reported to St Ebbe’s in relation to him.
'In the light of the 31:8 review into the abuses of Jonathan Fletcher, the PCC conducted a review into our governance, including safeguarding procedures, and a culture review. This has led to an ongoing process of cultural reflection; we are also in the process of considering the lessons and recommendations of the Makin Review. We are committed to doing all we can to make St Ebbe’s a safe and healthy community.
'If you have any questions or concerns in relation to safeguarding, or wish to make a disclosure, please contact one of our Safeguarding Team, the Diocese of Oxford Safeguarding Team, or, if you wish to remain anonymous, Safe Spaces.
'Please send any questions or concerns in relation to governance or culture to the Churchwardens (churchwardens@stebbes.org).
'We continue to depend on the Lord Jesus, who knows all things and is only ever good, faithful and loving, pleading for him to bring truth, justice and healing.'
The statement is signed by: Vaughan Roberts, Rector; Niki Ridgway, Parish Safeguarding Officer; Greg Brisk, Churchwarden; Suzanne Wilson-Higgins, Churchwarden
